Just finished chapter six and thought I'd get it posted before the weekend.
As ever comments, suggestions, thoughts and opinions etc are most welcome.
Prologue
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74847
Chapter 1
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=74982
Chapter 2
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75228
Chapter 3
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=76650
Chapter 4
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=77078
Chapter 5
http://www.egosoft.com/x2/forum/viewtopic.php?t=77208
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Chapter Six - Invasion
On the edge of the gate sector in Aldana Hill, the frigate Ardent sat motionless against the backdrop of space.
A heated debate was taking place aboard the GDI frigate. Seated at a long conference table in the ship’s briefing room were two groups of officers. Each group was spread across one of the long sides. Nearest the door sat Comander Dentill and his squadron leaders, Loralaminckstros and Marcus Gromwell. On the opposite side of the table frowning at the pilots was a pair of GDI defence fleet officers.
“I’m sorry Captain Greene, but I must disagree.” Said Dentill. “During an engagement it would be foolish for you to maintain a high speed with your ship.”
“I don’t see why,” replied Richmond Greene. “This ship has been specifically designed with speed in mind.”
“Perhaps so, but your maximum speed far outstrips the fighter craft you will be carrying.” Gromwell interjected.
“What if we were to keep our speed down to the Novas max speed?” Asked Green’s executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Edouard.
“That wouldn’t be any help,” replied Dentill. “If you are travelling at the Novas top speed you will find that if they have to break to engage enemy fighters they will get left behind leaving you vulnerable.”
“Indeed,” Loralaminckstros began. “The main cause for your defeat in the combined operation exercise was due to you leaving your fighters behind.”
“Thanks Loral. That’s exactly the point Captain. I appreciate you are used to destroyers but you’ve got a light carrier now. Much of your offensive strength comes from your fighters.” Dentill continued his point. “The high speed allows you to get to the action faster and keep up with enemy capital ships and corvettes, but in a major engagement against heavy fighters, you need back up to keep from having a swarm of hornets fired down your tail pipe.”
“Of course you are right Commander.” Greene replied. “I guess I am too used to not having the speed it the opportunity to go fast is too much to miss.”
“Well you did pretty well in the station assault, and I was impressed with how quickly your crews were able to launch our fighter squadrons. You’ve got the drill down, I just think you need more practice on combined operations.” Dentill tried to be encouraging. “Lets go over the replay again.”
The group became engrossed again in planning strategies for the new ship. After a few mizuras the conversation was interrupted by a call over the intercom.
“Captain, this Lieutenant Smith on the bridge calling.”
“Yes Lieutenant, report.” Greene ordered.
“We are detecting multiple pirate ships entering the sector through the West gate. So far there are at least thirty ships, mostly scout and medium fighters, but we count at least a dozen heavy Orinoco’s. And there are more coming through the gate as we speak.” The lieutenant replied.
“Hail the Fleet base on the Trading Station. Ask them if they require assistance.”
There was a pause as the Lieutenant conferred with the commander of the Navy garrison.
“Sir, Lieutenant Smith again, the Navy has transmitted a request for assistance from any available ships. Apparently the fleet navsats in the unknown sectors are showing the pirates here are just the vanguard a much larger force is headed this way.”
“Plot a course for the West Gate then Lieutenant, raise all shields are charge the weapon batteries, it looks like we are in for a fight.” Greene commanded. “Can you give me an indication of the Navy strength.”
“Sir, two squadrons have launched from the trading station, one of Busters and one of Novas.”
“That’s not going to be enough. Commander Dentill how soon can you get your squadrons prepped?” Greene enquired.
“I’ll get on it now.” Dentill replied. “Marcus, Loral, are you coming. Let us know when we are in range Captain” The three pilots headed for the hanger bay.
The Ardent accelerated to maximum speed and headed for the pirate force. The pirate fighter craft cleared the immediate vicinity of the gate and began to head towards the centre of the sector. There was no real structure to the pirates’ formation, so Dentill was certain the Navy could acquit themselves well against the force. With the enhanced speed of the the frigate it took only a short time for them to reach the gate, just in time to meet the second wave of pirate craft jumping in.
“This is Commander Dentill to all GDI fighter groups,” Dentill called over the comm. “Launch as soon as you can, it looks like we’re going to earn our pay today.”
The two GDI squadrons stationed aboard the Ardent launched rapidly and formed up into six four ship flight groups. Dentill followed in his own Nova.
“Loral, this is Dentill, your Perseii are faster than the Novas so you head in first. Take out what you can as you pass but make sure you stay on course for the gate.”
“Affirmative Commander.” Loral replied.
“Gromwell, you take flights one and two to protect the Ardent, I’ll take flight three and pick off anything that threatens Loral.”
More pirates poured through the gate. So far since the second wave had produced over fifty fighters. Most of them were Bayamons, however a full squadron of Orinochos supported by flights of bayamon were headed straight towards Ardent.
The twelve fighters in Loralaminckstros’ squadron headed for the main Bayamon wing of thirty-six ships. As the two groups of fighters closed to firing range, several of the Bayamons began to shudder violently and collapse crushed by some unseen force. Dentill realised that Loral must have had his crews arm the ships with the Paranids’ highly advanced Shockwave generators. As his group closed he could see the pale blue waves of energy expanding towards the pirate group. Each wave stripping layers of energy from the shields of several of the enemy group, some of the crafts’ shields collapsed and the energy began playing across the hull of the fighters. More of the ships began to explode. As the ships closed the effect of the powerful weapons began to diminish due to the decrease in distance, the waves having less time to expand. Still Dentill saw that at least ten of the enemy ships were now just wreckage tumbling through space.
Loralamickstros ordered his squadron to quickly switch to their plasma throwers. The pirates had begun to return fire, and several of his ships showed severe drain to their shields. Each of the Paranid pilots chose a target and fired continuous bursts of energy stripping through several Bayamon shields and tearing chunks from the hulls of others. By the time the two opposing groups had passed there were only ten pirates left. As per orders, Loralaminckstros directed his squadron towards the jump gate. Disorientated and unable to match the speed of the Perseus squadron, the pirate ships headed for Dentill’s group.
Dentill had watched the engagement between the Paranid and pirate squadrons. He had been amazed at the effectiveness of the Shockwave weapons. Seeing the remnants of the group heading towards his own flight he ordered his ships to accelerate.
“Alright pilots, arm your dragonflies, lets see if we can’t even the numbers before they get in range.”
As the ships closed, Dentill gave the order and ten missiles flew from the Novas, hurtling towards the pirates at breakneck speed. Within moments the warheads were detonating around the pirate craft. Three of the Bayamon fell before the rest could evade the missiles. Before the temporary panic gave Dentill’s elite pilots all the time they required to mop up the remaining ships.
+++
Captain Greene watched in silence as two squadrons of pirate fighters closed with his ship. The main view screen was divided between video feed of the pirate wing and a two-dimensional map showing the locations and strengths of all the ships and squadrons in the sector. He could see the Argon Nvavy squadrons battling in a ferocious dogfight with the pirates‘ first wave. Nearer the gate, he watched as the Perseus squadron blunted the bayamon wing and headed to cut off entrance to the sector. He had deliberately held off from engaging in case it was necessary to intervene elsewhere.
“Lieutenant Smith, Set our velocity to match Gromwell’s Novas and head towards the pirate group heading to intercept us.” Greene ordered. Calling to Gromwell’s ship he added “Marcus, I suggest you concern yourself with the Bayamon, we’ll take the Orinocos. They can’t carry hornets so they should pose little threat to us.”
Gromwell acknowledged the suggestion and directed his two flight groups to engage the designated squadron. The fight was relatively one sided, Bayomons were no competition to well flown Novas. The entire squadron were wiped out with only two of Gromwell’s fighters destroyed. The Orinocos were suffering a similar fate at the hands of the Ardent. As the pirate squadron closed, the prow gunners opened fire with the huge photon cannons. Each cannon had the power the heaviest plasma thrower and yet a range which far extended any weapon developed to date. The pirate fighters shuddered amidst the storm of energy buffeting around them. The hail of blue bolts exploded against shields, and turned hull plating into flowing rivers. In brief moments four of the ships were destroyed. The pirate squadron split apart like a firework explosion, blossoming about the Ardent. The pirates launched waves of powerful silkworm missiles at the frigate, but the five hundred megawatts of shields installed shrugged off the explosions. The plasma throwers of the Orinocos’ main armament nibbled at the shields, but as the fighters curved over the hull, the turrets around the Ardent’s centre began to send out streams of particle fire. Three brief explosions lit up the shields around the ardent, signifying the deaths of more pirates. The remaining five decided enough and fled towards the gate hoping to avoid anymore GDI fighters on the way.
+++
Dureena Fielding new something significant was occurring in Aladna Hill. She had watched with frustration as the huge pirate task force had passed through the sector. She had been forced to pull back her patrols, there was no way that her twelve fighters could have provided much resistance to the overwhelming fleet. Amidst the wings of pirate fighters, a large converted Split Elephant super transport ship had passed by. She was sure that this was the command ship of the taskforce. Within mizuras the entire taskforce head through the gate, all except the transport. She had heard the calls for assistance and new that she had to try something to help. Perhaps if the command ship was neutralised the pirates might end up in disarray. She immediately order her squadron to mobilise. All twelve Mambas were soon heading for the East Gate, the Elephant squarely in their sites. As her squadron closed with the enemy the main hanger doors opened on the ship. Out spewed dozens of Split military fighter craft. Over a mulit-frequency transmission a Split voice spoke with menace.
“Lord Jxu of family Jxu demands all ships surrender. All stations lower shields, prepare to be boarded. Glory to Family Jxu and the Split Dynasty.”
Fielding began to laugh, she appreciated that there were a lot of Split fighters, but her squadron alone might be able to take them on. As if in agreement with her, the other stations began launching their own fighter squadrons. Soon a motley assortment of heavy, medium and light fighters from all of the races flanked her squadron. The Split force was heavily outnumbered. The Split phalanx began to slow and suddenly formed a defensive perimeter around the Elephant. It would be only a scant few mizuras before the two fleets engaged.
Fielding looked at a flashing light on her console. It appeared that the Elephant had sent a hypercom signal to an unknown location. If it was a cry for help, she hoped it would not be answered soon. Unfortunately this was not to be. As if they had been waiting for just this signal a massive taskforce jumped into the system. From the North Gate wings of fighters poured out breaking and heading for the ragtag group of defence fighters. From the West gate, the monstrous shape of a twin hulled Python slowly appeared, flanked by several fast moving Dragon class corvettes.
It looked like the sector inhabitants were doomed. All three jump gates were blockaded leaving no escape route. The North Gate swirled with the exit point of a wormhole; slowly another capital ship eased itself out. Fielding saw it was the dagger hull of a Raptor class carrier. Several squadrons of fighters began exiting from the Raptor’s hanger and began to form an offensive wedge around the carrier. Behind the fighter craft launched several Iguana transports, no doubt filled with assault troops. As Fielding tried to think of a solution another transmission came, this time from the carrier.
“This is General Dhjn, supreme commander, Jxu Family fleet. All residents return to you stations. If you do not comply we destroy you.”
With no alternatives Fielding ordered her ships back to base. She only hoped they were not kept long as prisoners, or worse, the Split were still known for keeping slaves. Once back at the computer plant she tried contacting headquarters, fortunately the Split had not or could not deploy a hypercom jammer so her communication got through.
“Control.” A cheerful voice answered.
“Squadron leader Fielding, is Commander Dentill available, its urgent.” Fielding tried to stay calm.
“I’m sorry Commander Dentill is not on the station at present.” The voice answered unphased.
“Well is Petre Shacklock available?” She said. “And don’t give me any crap about meetings, this is too important.”
“Hold please”. The voice cut off to be replaced shortly afterwards by Shacklock’s deeper tones. “Dureena, what is the problem, I am told you have an urgent problem.”
“Petre, the Split have invaded the sector, all the gates are under blockade, we’re trapped.” Fielding replied.
“Ok, listen sit tight. I need you to transmit all the data you can on the Split forces. We may have a way to get you out, but make sure you are ready to leave. Get all personnel to the shuttles, don’t worry about any equipment there won’t be time.”
Shacklock cut her off and she could only wait. It took very few mizuras for the crew of the station to board the three transport ships in the main commercial hanger. Within a short time, only Fielding and the station commander were left in the command centre.
“Get the internal transporter ready.” She ordered. “We won’t have much time after we are done here.”
+++
Commander Dentill docked his ship back in the main bay on the Ardent. The battle had been an amazing success, the GDI and Navy had taken barely a dozen losses between them, whereas the pirates were now either destroyed or taken prisoner. The battle had been a complete success, in no small part thanks to the presence of the Ardent. As he headed for the Bridge, the intercom activated. “Commander Dentill please report to the Captain’s briefing room ASAP.”
“I’m on my way.” Dentill replied.
He was only a short distance away when the call came through so it did not take long before he was walking through the door. “Ah commander,” said Greene, “I’m getting a priority signal from headquarters and thought you ought to be present.” Momentarily the vidscreen was filled with a concerned looking Shacklock.
“Hello Captain and Commander we have a serious situation developing in the Hatikvah’s Fate system. It seems the Split have launched an invasion fleet and are even now about to capture all the stations in the sector. I fear they are taking advantage of the current crisis in the outer Boron colonies.” Said Shacklock.
“Damn, I new they were up to no good.” Replied Greene.
“Have you got any data from the sector.” Asked Dentill. “Have our stations been overrun yet?”
“No I have just received a transmission from Dureena Fielding and if we are quick we may be able to open a corridor for at least some ships to escape.” Shacklock sounded hopeful. I am transmitting Fielding’s data now.”
“I think we might be able to help out.” Dentill replied. “We’re don’t have much time Petre so we’ll let you know how it turns out.”
Shacklock’s protests were cut off as Dentill switched off the vidscreen.
“I think we might have a chance Captain.” He said to Greene. “The East gate, to this sector is not very heavily guarded, chances are they thought the pirates would be more successful.”
“Yes, I think you may be right. They will certainly not be expecting a capital ship so if your chaps can drive us a path through the fighters I think we can clear a way.” Greene replied.
“We don’t have time for a better plan, get the ship moving I’ll get my pilots back to their ships.”
+++
An emergency message came through on an encrypted wavelength. Fielding saw that it was a simple written message from Dentill, it said simply. “We are coming, be ready.” With a spark of hope, she turned to the station commander and said. “Lets do it now and then get to the ship. The Split are spread out so we should be able to hold them off till help arrives.” The two officers headed for the central command console. Opening a secured panel the station commander activated a small keypad. “Self destruct on standby” a computerised voice called. Together the pair swiped their security passes through readers either side of the pad. The warning lights began to flash. The commander typed in a number and a counter began to tick down, starting from thirty mizuras. Lets go she said, activating the transporter. The station commander was sent to the lead passenger carrier. Activating the transporter, she found herself in the spacious cockpit of her Mamba strike fighter.
In a roar of engine wash her ship launched from the main docking port. In her wake the rest of her squadron and the three personnel ships followed. A group of Split fighters detected them and headed to intercept. Seeing their numbers were less the Split decided against attacking. Fielding led her small taskgroup towards the gate to Aladna Hill. She hoped Dentill would be able to assist. Behind her a several squadrons of fighters accelerated to catch up. In their midst, two Iguana assault transports headed for the station.
Durenna watched as Iguanas entered the bays of several of the stations. Only two stations were still unengaged. She transmitted a signal to both of them. “Squadron leader Fielding here, we may have a way out of this sector, any ships that can reach us can come with.” As if waiting for just this signal several fighters and transports launched from the stations, within less than a mizura her group has swelled to twenty fighters and eleven transports.
Several of the transports were old and battered, their speed was delaying her small group and she watched as the gap with her pursuers began to shrink. “Come on Dentill, or there won’t be any of us left.” She said out loud, startling herself. The Elephant at the East gate sent half its fighters to intercept her squadron. It turned out to be a fatal mistake, the east gate swirled with bright light as the prow of a large ship jumped in. Having never seen the Ardent, both the Split and the fugitive fleet had no idea what it was and could only assume it was Argon due to the design. A shoal of fighters flew from the main hanger, accelerating to attack speed, aimed at the Elephant’s escorts.
Fielding heard a cheer from her squadron as Dentill’s face appeared on the comm. screens of the GDI ships. “All GDI ships, Commander Dentill here, head for the Ardent, we’ll provide cover for you.”
“What about the Elephant,” Fielding asked, “Its right across our flight path.”
It was Greene who interrupted. “Not a problem, we have a surprise in store for them.”
The Elephant moved with its remaining fighter squadrons to engage the Ardent. From under the prow a ripple of flashes could be seen, as a volley of Hornet, shield busting missiles burst forth. Surprised by this the Split force was slow to react and five of the hornets smashed into the Elephant’s shields. Within moments the missiles were followed by the long range fire of the Ardent’s photon pulse cannons. Blue balls of energy smashed into the shields on the Elephant. The heavy bombardment pummelled the ship, by the time it had reached the firing range of its own Plasma throwers, it shields were critical. A huge explosion ripped through the Elephant’s cargo bay destroying several of its escorting fighters. A huge gaping hole was left in its prow and Greene ordered his gun crews to concentrate all their fire at this point. Photon pulse tore through hull plating ripping through unprotected walls within the corridors of the Elephant. It’s captain desperately tried to manoeuvre away, but too late, several shots penetrated into the engine room piercing the reactor. A blazing light flashed across the sector, drowning out the sun temporarily. As eyes refocused it was clear that the Elephant was no more, several of its escorts were damaged and those which were still able, scattered away from the approaching GDI fighters.
“Fielding, can you move any faster, we have inbound squadrons.” Dentill called.
“Sorry sir, but we are escorting some slow transports here.” Fielding replied not disguising her annoyance.
“Ok make best speed, have your transports and those other fighters dock with the Ardent. Form your squadron up with my wing we’ll have to provide cover until the frigate can pull out.” Dentill ordered unphased.
The three squadrons of GDI fighters met between the Ardent and approaching split fighter wings. The first few Split fighters held back, waiting for reinforcements to arrive. Dentill’s wing fleshed out with Fielding’s Mambas, used the time to move closer to the gate, the Nova squadron acting as rearguard due to their rear turrets.
As more Split squadrons formed up the GDI wing was forced to turn to meet the threat. Missiles sped through space searching for targets, bright flashes lit up the sky signifying the destruction of a ship. The first Split wave was driven off with heavy casualties, but Dentill had lost a quarter of his force. The Ardent finished loading the transports and turned to head for the gate. With no opposition in range, Dentill led his remaining ships after the frigate. It was not long before they reached the gate. As the wormhole enveloped him he began to reflect on the cost of this victory.
Destiny's Dawn Chapter 6 - Invasion (complete)
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Graf_Grau
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KiwiNZ
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HCFC
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Graf_Grau
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I find it helps to write it when I'm supposed to be doing something else i.e. my job! I learnt the fine art of procrastination at University!
I'm glad people are liking the story, sometimes I think it is moving away from the original plan I laid out and every chapter I seem to be introducing new characters. Truthfully sometimes I feel like starting again!
I'm glad people are liking the story, sometimes I think it is moving away from the original plan I laid out and every chapter I seem to be introducing new characters. Truthfully sometimes I feel like starting again!
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KiwiNZ
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Yes, uni is good for thatGraf_Grau wrote:I find it helps to write it when I'm supposed to be doing something else i.e. my job! I learnt the fine art of procrastination at University!
You know what they say about journey and destinationGraf_Grau wrote:I'm glad people are liking the story, sometimes I think it is moving away from the original plan I laid out and every chapter I seem to be introducing new characters. Truthfully sometimes I feel like starting again!
Keep up the good work, ignore your job just make sure you get paid
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Graf_Grau
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HCFC
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