Topic: Battle Pirates - The Story (Read 34251 times)

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #30 on:** April 10, 2012, 04:42:54 AM »

Twenty-nine

"No-one expected the Forsaken fleets to ever stop acting like pirates and work together against us. We were silly to expect them to always be a disorganized rabble, and now we must face them together."

The Ocean was a massive ship compared to the ships the Forsaken and Draconian forces used it was a relic of the old times and had belonged to one of the old national alliances navies displacing over 21,000 tons it was a massive craft which over the years Kixeye had further modified it adding Cutlass Missile Turrets, Ripper Machine Gun defence emplacements, Draconian Bombard Mortars and Flak cannons. The ship was almost completely incapable of moving on its own, its engines long burnt out from use since the fall of civilization, however to keep the ship mobile Kixeye had attached four Battle Barges permenantly to the ship, secured to the ship's massive bulk these four ships were designated to the single task of keeping the Ocean moving and stable, each ship refitted with massive engines, thrusters and additional armour plates. The ship was perfect for Kixeye's needs with its massive hanger and landing deck, deep within its hull there were dozens of planning and tracking rooms allowing Kixeye to watch all five hundred of the Draconians Sectors and the various Kixeye assets in each area.

Today however one of the main meeting rooms was not being used as a planning or as a tracking room instead it was part of dicipline and of looking to the future. Dicipline was one thing and being called in front of your superior was one thing but when it was your father it was often one hundred times worse. For Todd Dredge it was one of those one hundred times worse cases, standing in front of his father and commander, he was standing in the main meeting hall of Kixeye's command beside him two forsaken commanders and a Leiutenant Intelligence Officer. "Things have not gone so well." Admiral Dredge said quietly "we have successfully alienated the forsaken forces, all to hide a little mistake." He continued "now we find that we are in a more isolated place."

"Father, we eliminated the remanents of the Old Republic, Repossession's death fighting my forces was the final nail the Pirate Dread is dead, and Duinhir's forces are crippled. Together with our remaining allies we can crush the forsaken alliance." Todd protested even though in the last six sectors the growing Forsaken Alliance had gained a further six fleets and crushed three Draconian Outposts.

"Really" Dredge said quietly, "the so called United Expeditionary Fleet has crushed three Draconian Outposts in the last six sectors. Our scouts have so far failed to penetrate their defences and they continue to come closer every hour."

"Even if they arrive here we'll crush them." Todd said quietly

"I am willing to give you your chance my son." Dredge said looking at the younger man a mirror to himself when he was younger but had so far failed to come to fullfilment. "These two commanders have come forward and said they will stand by us until the end Lord Daemonicus, one who lost his home to the Draconians after a betrayal that was unanswered by his Pirate neighbours, and Commandant Shadow..." Dredge said introducing the younger of the two men Todd heard the younger Forsaken Commander whisper the word "Final" as his father spoke. "these two men have stood with us and will be our rallying call. You will lead these men against the Draconians and we will raise support from the local pirate forces."

"You believe we can sway this sector into support for us?"

"There are some Captain, the three CM brothers for a start may be swayed to our support if we can prove our worth. And Leiutenant Jessica McGregor here has a list of other people that may be willing to work with us and some targets that will make the biggest bang is we hit them hard enough." Dredge said smiling taking in the young woman standing to Todd's side, at least she was part of Kixeye someone he could trust implicitly. "I wish you well Captain, myself and the others of the Board will coordinate the defence of Ocean." He said speaking of the massive ship fortress that was Kixeye's headquarters.

"If they reach here we will be ready for them." Commandant Shadow said confidently

"Of course" Todd Dredge said saluting his father, Jessica McGregor followed his salute perfectly although both of the Forsaken commanders struggled to replicate. Todd appreciated their efforts but now he had some planning to do and he needed to know what they all brought to the table.

Hours later....

In an auxiliary meeting room aboard Ocean Todd and his three new "partners" stood around a topographical map of Sector One "This Sector has long sustained Kixeye even though it has presented us with a lot of challenges." Todd began, "however I believe the only way to completely win over all the peoples of this is if we crush these two Draconian Outposts." Todd said pointing at one on the east of the Sector and one on the far south. "Under contruction when completed they will control distribution of supplies and equipment to the other facilities, if we destroy them we will disrupt all local Draconian operations." He explained "I also think it will help us win over some moderate support from the sector."

"Are there any others we could gain support from anyone else during these operations?" Shadow asked

"Perhaps the three CM Brothers, Swag, Rich and Ã†on immediately" Jessica said "others will follow soon enough Commandant Shadow."

"It's Final Shadow." He corrected Jessica nodded "are these three capable of the combat that will be required of them?"

"They are for the most part. We will need to support their operations they prefer to set up operations and make examples of their targets instead of open combat." Jessica said detailing the three brothers all had strong fleets however operating with others may be more difficult."

"Simply put we will work together and crush these construction sites. Myself, Daemonicus and Shadow will assault the southern construction site. Together out three fleets will weild enough power to destroy the facility." He said manipulating the computer screen to display the still under construction Draconian site five islands in total one on each corner covered in weapons and one central facility with acted as the foundations of what would be the facility. "We are expecting heavy resistance from both the Outpost defences and from local defensive ships so have your best ships and gunners availible." Todd said he himself had five Forsaken Floating Fortresses armed with Draconian weapons technology, he also knew that Daemonicus' fleets were outfitted purely with Draconian Warships which he had aquired when the Draconians destroyed his people, Shadow was the odd one out he had not a single piece of Draconian technology instead they were outfitted with the most advanced Forsaken weapons and technology and had been built at an advanced Shipyard facility which was able to lighten and strengthen the weapons produced there which allowed them to close the gap on their Draconian counterparts."

"And what of the lovely Leiutenant?" Daemonicus said winking at Jessica

"The Leiutenant's single Fortress will not be much of a factor on its own" Todd said quietly her Fortress was an advanced vessel specifically built for her operations it had an advanced hull streamlining which allowed it to move quickly through the sea, Draconian Bombard defence mortars and Seige Cannons for attack as well as an advanced armour compound that reflected most types of damage however it was only one ship and not designed to operate with other ships, it was more like a Scout Battleship than an actual ship of the line. "Instead she will rally the sector to our cause hopefully in time for them to see the destruction of the first outpost and join us for the second attack."

"You guys get all the fun" Jessica said quietly although she was happy with her ship and crew sometimes she wished for a more direct combat role.

"Don't worry there will be plenty to come." Todd said, they broke up the meeting and headed off their plan was set now they had to begin operations leaving Ocean's massive bulk behind they headed out.

A week later, Sector One

Arrayed together fifteen vessels charged towards the construction facility from within the area three Draconian Battleships moved into view adding their firepower to the Outpost's already active weapons facilities the plan was for Todd's forces to engage the northern defence structures while Shadow assaulted the south defence emplacements. At the same time the two Battlecruisers and three Battleships that made up Daemonicus' forces would engage the defensive ships and assist against the turrets.

Charging in the ships were immediately engaged by the Draconian weapons which hit from further than normal Draconian weapons immediately Todd's ships were taking heavy weapons fire glancing at the other ships with him he noticed that Daemonicus and Shadow's ships were under similar fire, whatever the Draconians had on these bases it made their weapons fire further and hit harder, no doubt making sure things were even more difficult than Todd had expected.

"Come to port fifteen degrees all weapons target those defence turrets!" Todd shouted over the deafening roar as several missiles slammed into the Fortress' mid-hull.

"Sir Daemonicus' ships have destroyed two of the Battleships" one of his officers said as the ship turned "they are engaging the third, Daemonicus asks if we need assistance?"

"Confirmed have his availible forces engage our second turret battery." Todd confirmed he knew when his forces were outmatched as suddenly the turret emplacement he had been attacking exploded in a huge explosion, the shockwave rocking the Fortress. "Damn when they go they really do..." He said for a moment before his Fortress was hit again this time by the next turret.

"Captain, Commandant Shadow confirms his forces are having the same problem, unexpected resistance from the turreted defences."

"Have Daemonicus remaining vessels assist Shadow after he has cleared his final battleship." Todd ordered as his ship was brought in line with the final turret battery, his other ships taking a similar armount of damage also turned in line while ships from Daemonicus' Battleship a single Battlecruiser also came into view, now with seven ships charging towards the turrets they wouldn't last long. "Com'on face us all" Todd whispered as if trying to taunt his opponent suddenly the outposts closer in weapons openned fire it appeared to be Impact Cannons also with extended range, these tore into Daemonicus' Battlecruiser as it closed "Damn you!" Todd shouted losing his temper looking out his Fortress windows as he watched Daemonicus' vessels take more and more fire before Todd's own ships were even in range it was times like this he was reminded why he hated the Draconians.

As Todd's ships came into range and similarly as Shadow's guns came into range at the south turret the finally two defensive emplacements quickly exploded under the combined fire, adding in Daemonicus' firepower they had little chance twin fireballs erupted as the two islands lit up the sky for miles around. If Jessica had been unsuccessful in rallying support then those fires would likely pulled quite a bit of attention. "Only the Outpost remains." One of his officers said.

"All remaining vessels fire all guns at the foundations, sink this monstrosity into the sea." He ordered as all ships turned around they all began to fire, even from this distance Todd could see Draconian construction workers running for their lives under the bombardment as mortar, missile and cannon fire landed all around them smashing their hard built facility. After a few moments of bombardment parts of the facility began to fall back into the sea from which they had been raised. After almost ten minutes of bombardment the entire artificial island was gone crushed under the combined strength of Kixeye and their allies. "Deck defence crews pick off all survivors, Helm bring us through the Outpost's field slowly, three passes." Todd ordered along the sides of the ship marines armed with heavy machine guns began to spray the waters with further weapons fire gunning down anything that moved killing any survivors from the facility, no-one from this base would be helping the Draconian cause in the future.

The next day....

Despite her efforts Jessica had only recruited the three CM Brothers to her cause before the destruction of the Outpost, with the massive fireball lighting up the day and night's sky for hundreds of miles suddenly everyone had been interested in what was going on. Jessica's messages had begun to be answered suddenly she'd heard back from someone naming themself The M, another named Flyhamster and several others all heading for her position which she already had all three CM brothers ready for a strike.

Not waiting for the CM Brothers to become bored Jessica had ordered the attack Rich had a group of Fortresses, Ã†on had only Sea Wolves however he was very confident he could get in under the Outposts guns and run circles around the ships if needed while Swag had five Hammerhead designed ships although they were similar to those used by Repossession they were more bulky and appeared slower to turn than the Republic design, an inferior but still impressive copy.

Supporting them with her own Fortress Jessica had chosen to stick close to the Sea Wolves of Ã†on her ship was equipped to move fast through the waters and only carried a little more firepower than the Wolves however it had the armour to survive hits that the Wolves would not be able to take. Leaving the Fortress and Hammerhead forces of the other two they entered combat. As the slower heavily armoured Fortress and Hammerhead craft of Rich and Swag smashed the Outpost defence guns Jessica's Fortress and Ã†on's nimble Wolves darted in and out of all the ships first destroying the five Draconian Battlecruisers that suplemented the turreted defence guns then assisting the larger vessels in their actions against the turreted defence.

Quickly this strategy of fast and slow vessels proved too much for the Draconian gunners and a second fire lit up the nights sky of Sector One, Kixeye had proven its worth to the inhabitants of the area and they had gained some support. Which was just as well as the UEF was reported to now be within Sector Fifty and still closing on their target. Kixeye had to act quickly and be prepared for the next part of this ever expanding war.

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #31 on:** April 10, 2012, 02:02:29 PM »

Thirty

"The journey was long, the various leaders of the fleet quarrelled about their course, types of target, their end target and even their speed but fortunately they agreed to remain united."

The Captain entered the command bridge of his flagship fortress, as an organizer of this mission his ship was near the centre of the formation protected by the others. "Good morning Commodore sleep well" Commander Mike Harsell greeted using the Captain's new temporary rank. It had been decided that a Captain was not a high enough rank for one of the main leaders of the United Expeditionary Fleet, despite the Captain's objections.

"Well as I could, anything to report?"

"Captain Hell's outrunners encountered a little problem last night with a group of local Predator submarines the Panem, a Leviathan-class Battleship, under his command recieved a series of hits." Mike explained "by some sort of heroic effort they kept her afloat and she will return to Sector 73 with the next supply convoy." The Captain nodded supply convoys normally consisted of Battle Barges outfitted with extended cargo holds and additional engines sending a damaged ship with them wouldn't slow them down too much.

"Casualties?"

"Sixteen sir, burials will take place at 1700hrs Zulu. Captain Hell has agreed to stand at overwatch."

"Make sure we're in position to pay respects at that time. Man the Rails Commander, those who fall deserve our respect and our remembrance."

"Aye, sir" Mike replied Manning the Rails as it was formally known was a well known old war tradition one honoured among all the pirates, everyone understood eventually they would all return to the sea. "One other thing sir it appears that Duinhir's advanced scout aircraft spotted a series of small ships shadowing the fleet, just beyond weapons range ignoring our radio calls."

"More locals? Of all the places we've been so far Sector 47 appears the most broken." the Captain said quietly.

"Yes Commodore" Mike said using the new rank again the Captain was sure he was using it just to annoy the Captain everyone knew he had resisted promotion over the years because he believed in no differences between him and his fellow leaders. "Fortunately we haven't encountered any hostile alliances in the area."

"Neither have we encountered many willing to join our cause in the last few sectors. Most of our support originates in and beyond Sector 73." The Captain observed, he'd noticed the trend was increasing less and less willing to stand up to the Draconians and Kixeye, he'd also noted that less and less of the local pirates had even had any contact with Kixeye Corporation or been attacked by the Draconians. It appeared that the two hostile groups strategy varied Sector to Sector.

"We have more than two hundred fleets within our main fleet sir, that is One Thousand ships and their crews. Not since the first years of sail have the seas seen a fleet of this magnitude or this vast." Commander Hardsell said "Sir, it is an accomplishment that will be remembered by many and one that even our enemies cannot ignore."

"But is it enough..." the Captain wondered they'd all heard the rumours that Kixeye Corporation were calling in their support. Originally the UEF had struck at everything renegade pirates, Draconians anything that did not support them now they tried to conserve firepower and personnel by striking at necessary targets.

"Sir!" one of the crewmen shouted a warning as the Captain mused over the decisions the faced. "Forward Elements inform us of a ship standing in our way, a Leviathan blocking our path."

"Hardly a blockade" Mike said almost waving them off.

"Sir, they maintain distance beyond our weapons. Their commander wants to speak to someone in charge" the officer reported again.

"Commander, pass to fleet bring us to dead slow for Captain Hell's burial detail, have helm alter out position accordingly." Mike nodded and began coordinating the ships movements. "Communications, pass to blockade ships our intent to pay respects for the fallen and express invitation for their commander to meet with me aboard this vessel. Copy all to admirals Duinhir and Alacamenous and to Captains, Hell, Red, Hawke and Ninewon-three." There were a variety of 'ayes' in response as the Captain felt his Fortress begin to change position in the fleet their escort of Leviathans and Sea Wolves from Michaels Island matching speed and course.

"Response from blockade, they agree."

"Good Commander, detail Crewmen for Manning the Rails." the Captain said raising from his chair heading for the exit he too would join his crew.

"Aye, Commodore" he heard Hardsell reply as the door marines opened the pressure doors snapping to attention.

Some time later...

Tradition was something well honoured at sea especially for the loss of crew. There was no burial on what little land remained instead the departed returned to the seas of which they came. Manning every level of the Floating Fortresses superstructure crewmen from every part of the ship lined the edge of the vessel's starboard hull dressed in their best uniforms silently observing the burial detail aboard Captain Hell's flagship. Because they were at sea and in a potentially hostile region other crewmembers continues to man their stations while others were on the port side securing docking to a Leviathan-class Battleship of unknown origin. Standing on the Observation deck dressed in his best uniform the Captain listened to Captain Simon Hell speak aboard his own vessel as the bodies of the dead were returned to the deep. He completely ignored the new arrival on the bridge along with her fully armed marine escort.

The visitor stood there silently waiting until the ceremony was over across the seas even with the dozens of ships present everyone heard the five Sea Wolf Destroyers alongside Hell's vessel fire their five thud cannons in succession. The fifteen shots rang true across the sea like a raising thunder and then it was followed by complete silence after a few moments the ceremony was completed with Hell's flagship's ship bell sounding three times across the fleet each ship followed suite ringing their bells in succession. The Captain truned to face his visitor "Welcome aboard this Fortress, I am the comander of this vessel, now please inform me why was you vessel standing in our way."

"Allow me first to extend my condolances for your losses Sector Forty-seven is a lawless part of sea. Secondly allow me to warn you Sector Forty-six which you will enter soon is little better." The young woman said the Captain thought she couldn't be anymore than 26 years old her dark hair tied back, her hazel eyes sparkling in the light.

"Thank you for the warning..." The Captain said allowing his voice to trail off

"Vice Admiral Lucy Campbell" she said "Now for my reason for being here, my home island is on a direct course from your Island. I would like to know your intentions." She said despite her youth the Captain creditted her with little fear in the face of the massive fleet present.

"Our intentions is to invade Sector One. Kixeye Corporation and the Draconian Empire have become uncontrollable, their attack our fleets, our miner and more recently our civilian homes this has to stop." The Captain said the young woman looked at him quizically and was about to speak before her communicator activated.

"Excuse me" she said raising the communicator to her mouth "Mystery this is Magic" she said.

"Mam, one of our miners reports Blackheart is attacking them." Opposite her Lucy could see the Captain's face go white in shock then red with anger.

"Understood what happened to our guarding force?"

"Unknown" the reply came, there were ten ships assigned to the defence of the miners how could they have all gone missing?

"Admiral, if I may?" The Captain said quietly Lucy nodded "we can help, I've dealt with Blackhear before." Lucy nodded raising her communicator again.

"Mystery this is Magic, link with this Fortress' communications and radar pass the coords of our mining field." Lucy ordered her ship at the same time the Captain raised the telephone fitted to the hull to his mouth.

"CIC this is Actual, pass throughout fleet to head to coordinates recieved from the Leviathan. It appears we've found Blackheart and he's causing a nuisance of himself." The Captain said clearly "yes I said Blackheart, pass to the fleet anyone who wishes to assist are more than welcome, these people are not UEF but they are having as much problems as the rest of us." He explained before replacing the handset "we'll do all we can."

"Why?" Lucy asked baffled not understanding why pirates would help others instead of taking all they could, her own Sector rarely assisted each other when miners were attacked or if one attacked another, they stood alone or they paid for it only ever working together if the neighbouring sector made a major push attacking many of them.

"Why not?" The Captain countered "we have the firepower and hitting miners is a low blow by anyone especially Blackheart, we have plenty history with him." The Captain explained "our fleet could also do with provisions and if you are willing support in our journey?"

"And if we don't your offer of aid goes away?" Lucy asked accusingly she'd seen false promises before in her short career.

"Not quiet" The Captain said with a smile as behind him aircraft began to raise off the Enterprises flight deck and vessels began to alter course.

Mining fields nearby....some time later

It wasn't just Lucy's people who were under attack from Blackheart the entire mining field was ablaze with weapons fire and ships underattack from multiple fleets of the pirate Blackheart carrying his gold pennant and black skull and crossbones insignia. High above the UEF's Sea Wolves and Leviathans escorting Fighters and Torpedoe bombers from the Enterprise circled "Sea Wolf Fleet to port is our target gentlemen, tally ho" the flight leader called out as the fighters spiralled down into an attack. The six fighters dived quickly through the clouds quickly reaching the surface skimming the surface of the waters they quickly engaged Blackheart's ships, closing on the destroyers they opened fire with their ripper cannon and hydra rockets spraying the enemy destroyers with fire, pulling up quickly dodging the defensive fire they cleared the way for the six torpedoe bombers behind them, from each aircraft a havoc torpedoes dropped into the sea and shot towards one of Blackheart's Sea Wolf Destroyers, four impacts slammed into the ship causing multiple explosions and it quickly began to take water.

"Leader we are RTB." The torpedoe bomber said as the six aircraft turned away back towards the Enterprise suddenly missiles slammed into three of the torpedoe bombers causing brief flares as the aircraft exploded under the impacts. "Leader we are engaged, targets to the south-east, we are evasive." The torpedoe leader reported pulling the remaining three craft away as four V-22 aircraft flew in each firing missiles at the fighters the fighters broke away from each other and the twin propeller aircraft began to maneover trying to keep up with them.

"Enterprise this is Viper One, we have been engaged by Kixeye aircraft." The fighter leader radioed his base as he turned his fighter away from the incoming V-22s the other aircraft flew straight through their formation moving at high speed gaining distance from the fighters before turning around for another pass "All fighters try to keep close to these clowns they don't appear to be built for dog-fighters." The fighter leader said turning his fighter into a tight turn, the raising G-force pushed him into the side of his cockpit as the craft turned. The Kixeye aircraft passed through his squadron again at frightening speed cutting down one of his fighters with a missile, the leader turned his aircraft again brining his fighter in behind one of the fast moving V-22s "enjoy this" he said opening fire with his forward facing ripper cannons, the wings of his aircraft lit up briefly as his cannons fired tearing into one of the other aircraft's two engine nacelles. Pulling away to the right Viper One turned again to see fire and smoke briefly come from the aircraft before it was extinguished and the aircraft began to fly normally again, although now it appeared slower. "What does it take to kill these things?" he wondered to himself diving again towards the strange Kixeye craft this time concentrating on the fusalage of the aircraft Viper One sprayed the other craft with ripper machine gun fire, for a moment his bullets seemed to bounce off the aircraft however moments later the right side of its twin tail sheered off and the Kixeye craft now without critical parts began to spin away out of control dropping from the sky it hit the water at nearly 100kph and exploded into thousands of pieces. "Viper One to all aircraft target the main hull and rear fins that's where they are vulnerable, avoid the engines they seem well armoured" he called out, hoping the others would have similar luck, moments later a missile impacted just under Viper One's cockpit killing its pilot and obliterating the craft, unable to match the firepower carried by the Kixeye craft the remaining two fighters of the Enterprises squadron began to retreat. With the UEF aircraft trying to disengage, one of their number destroyed and fuel running low the Kixeye aircraft retreated leaving the ships to fight out their battles evenly.

On the ocean surface ships from both side were engaged in a meat grinder, the ships of Blackheart carrying enough weapons and advanced armour to last in combat with the more numerous UEF ships. Soon however artrition caused Blackheart's people into retreat even they couldn't take on all the ships arrayed against them. Following Blackheart's retreat faster ships of the UEF shadowed them back to their home port, similar to the set up he had before in Sector 72 this time Blackheart had four seperate support bases surrounding his main fortress all brandishing the same flags, it was very clear that Kixeye Corporation and the Draconians were not the only threats on the Forsaken Seas, and that a good way to prove the UEF's mission was to make an example of an old enemy.

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #32 on:** April 12, 2012, 04:55:34 PM »

Thirty-one

"Encountering an old enemy this close to the begining of an operation was perhaps a warning of worse to come. Perhaps we should have turned around there, maybe we would have if we had known what was still to come."

Finding a room big enough for a Council of Captains was difficult even in a flottila as large as the one assembled by the UEF. Most rooms large enough for the assembly were turned over to cargo or ammunition storage. Eventually a solution was found turning two pilot ready rooms on the Enterprise into a much larger conference room, it was a barebones room but it was something Admiral Duinhir made more than one complaint about the mess converting the room had made and the potential security threats posed by the unexpected guests aboard the ship. Eventually the inclusion of marines and security teams from several other ships had calmed the Admiral's concerns.

Even with the extended rooms it was still cramped when the Captain took his place at the table. "Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for coming to the impromtu meeting, I know we are taking a risk all visiting in the same place at the same time, however I am not willing to take this choice alone." He said begining he noticed to one side Admiral Duinhir hovered while at his other side newcomer Admiral Lucy Campbell had also joined them. "Three days ago we discovered that Blackheart has been attacking local bases and mining operations in this region" there was a quiet murmour that went through the room at his words but no-one else spoke "before anyone wanders it does appear that this Blackheart is the very same we have previously had problems with in sector 72. It also appears that Kixeye are supportive of this pirates actions given the air support we have already witnessed." He continued "I believe that Blackheart is a vassel of Kixeye in this sector and a definent threat to our operations, and I am asking for support in ordering a strike against them." There was a far larger murmour at these words than there had been previously, this time the Captain realized that he had struck a nerve.

As the room quietened Captain Simon Hell rose from his chair "Commodore, you know that you have my absolute support and the support of the vast majority of the Commanders around this table." He began the Captain winced at the use of his new rank but allowed Hell to continue "Respectfully Commodore, it is the belief of many of us that if we cut off the head the rest of the snake will die." Beside Hell the Captain could see JJ Strong, Carl Grim and Rick all nodding their agreement at Hell's words. "We should support the locals as much as possible, but that we should push onto our ultimate goal, Sector One."

"I understand your concerns however, our support convoys must travel through this region, and each of them could be targetted by Blackheart. This region has already proved to be the most danerous we have encountered so far, we want to minimise the hostiles against us. A secure supply chain is vital to our continued successes." The Captain said raising his arms brining Admiral Campbell into the discussion "I have also spoken with Vice-Admial Campbell, who's island has been struck by Blackheart's forces, she has confirmed that if we can help her people eliminate the threat posed by Blackheart then we can resupply there and our supply convoys will an escort through this region."

"But no strike ships?" Admiral Alacamenos asked accusingly looking at Lucy.

"This sector isn't exacty the friendliest of sectors. They will be providing us with Mercenary support and supplies. Also as Blackheart is now her people's problem, it is they who will be assaulting Blackheart's stronghold directly, the UEF will be only in a support role." The Captain explained smoothing much of the ruffled feathers within the fleet commanders and putting Lucy in a slightly stronger position.

"Commodore, one further concern my fighters a less almost a full squadron due to Kixeye's aircraft. The support we can give will be lesser than normal, I have replacements en route but they are more than a week away." Duinhir warned, the encounter with Kixeye's aircraft had not gone as well as they had hoped.

"I am aware Admiral, we will be taking precautions against further involvement from Kixeye in this region, infact I believe the operation should be going off right at this moment." The Captain said smiling, only a select few knew about his plan, utter secracy had been most important to the Captain.

Near Blackheart's territory....

"Sub-Master, we are in position" the Leftenant at helm control said looking up at his commander Sub-Master Angelique, it had taken them sixteen hours but the Commodore had given her a job because he knew she had the crews and the ships for the job and she wasn't about to mess it up. Right now she had five Stalker-class Submarines in position ready to act, all had been specifically built to remain underwater as long as they needed to with a special snorkel system Angelique's engineers, while others had mighty Fortresses and fleets of Leviathans, her submarines were unmatched.

"Very good, status on Blackheart's Dock facility?" She asked standing beside the periscope in the centre of the room.

"All quiet still recovering from the mining field I would guess." Her first officer said "turrets all quiet also."

"Very good, all ships surface, raise our Assault Missiles to the deck, fire torpedoes and missiles as we surface. Take us up" Angelique ordered, under her feet she felt the deck begin to move as air rushed into the ship's ballast tanks. Her executive officer covering the command operations room watching every action as they raised from the deep.

"We are in position" he confirmed smiling "weapons firing."

The Stalker rocked heavily as missiles roared from their launchers on the deck, moments later the ship rocked again as torpedoes exited the submarines nose. On the surface the Stalkers order was clear the targets chosen from Duinhir's aerial recon pictures, from each of the ships Assault Missiles flew from the forward deck destroying the Island's Communications tower while Havoc Torpedoes left the front of the submarines nose striking deep within Blackheart's docking facility. Assault missile struck home on the Communications tower and the radar facility of the Operations Outpost crippling Blackheart's eyes and ears to the outside world, and torpedoes from the Stalker's forward hull tore into the docking facility destroying Blackheart's offensive weapons, he'd still have defence turrets but his striking arm against his neighbours was at least temporarily gone.

"Dive, Dive, Dive!" The Executive Officer shouted out as their two targets had been destroyed, he looked over at Angelique who hadn't moved since her order to surface. Moments later the ship was rocked slighly was mortar and missile fire exploded on the waters above the submerged submarines.

"Engines all ahead full, Helm take us back to the fleet." Angelique said quietly, the engines and thrusters of the Stalker and her sister ships began to move, above them the seas continued to be rocked by explosions as Blackheart's defence gunners continued to vainly try and engage them. Soon they were clear of Blackheart's channel and heading out back into the ocean and finally everyone could breath easy again "well done people" Angelique said finally moving from her spot to the map table "helm, set course back to the fleet, communications send encrypted message to the Commodore keep it short - It's done." Angelique said catching her XO's eye she smiled they'd done a goodjob.

Back aboard the Enterprise....

The Captain continued to outline his battle plan as a young officer made his way through the commanders and whispered in his ear "ladies and gentlemen, I have just recieved word that phase one is now complete, with no casualties." He said proudly, it wasn't the easiest assignment but he was very happy with the results. "We have prepartions to make so lets make this work." Around the room the various commanders and advisors that had been squeezed into the room began to make their way out into the corridors leaving the Captain, Admirals Duinhir and his son Alacamenos, Captains David the Corrupted, Troy Terrible, JJ Strong, Mark Red, Ninewon-three and Captain Rick from the UEF with Vice-Admiral Lucy Campbell hovering at the edge of the group. "Captain Red you think your missiles will be enough for base Alpha and Delta?" The Captain asked referring to one of Blackheart's support bases.

"Yes, Commordre, between my own weapons and those of Captain Rick we should have the firepower to flatten both support bases opening the eastern side of Blackheart's base to our fire. Rick assures me his missiles are ready for combat testing" Mark said Captain Rick opposite him nodded "between us we'll drop some Orions on them and it should be game over for Blackheart, it works on Draconians it'll work on Blackheart." He said confidently

"That opens the door for you guys" he said looking at Troy Terrible, JJ Strong and David the Corrupted. Of the three David was the least the Captain had experiance with but he'd heard a lot of good things about him. "All three of you are tasked with smashing whatever Captains Red and Rick leave and sinking any of the deployed defences.

"Our forces are ready, we will move into position tonight between the two bases under the cover of darkness we'll hit their fleets as they come out for salvage operations, it should immediatly put them on edge." Troy said happily "between the three of us we should be able to bring plenty of firepower to the table."

"And with all that going off Blackheart's Minnions won't notice my two little ships." Ninewon-three said with a smirk

"Are two ships enough?" Rick asked looking at him skeptically

"Trust me these Dreadnaughts will tear into whatever's in their way" he said confidently, he'd captured and repaired two Draconian Dreadnaughts together they were pretty much an unstopable force covered in weapons they carried as many guns as three or four normal Forsaken ships used by the various pirate bands.

"Leaving the final base for us Commodore." Alacamenos said the Captain nodded between him and the younger Duinhir they would take the Blackheart base designated Delta by the UEF. The rest of the forces arrayed by the UEF would form a blockade around Blackheart and his multiple bases stopping anyone tryong to enter the area and assist the pirate lord, this would include Forsaken fleets, Draconians and Kixeye forces if they showed their face. Over the entire area Admiral Artan Barcius Duinhir would provide them with cover with his Carrier's Aircraft, the torpedoe and bomber craft would be availible for assistance with strike missions while the fighters provided a Combat Air Patrol (or CAP).

"Indeed then the game plan is in your court Vice-Admiral." The Captain said looking to Lucy Campbell who had remained quiet so far remaining seperate from the decisions despite being an integral part of it.

"We'll be ready to play ball when time comes Commodore, I've spoken with the Admirals they are preparing a force in strength to assault Blackheart's main stronghold. Once we are finished here, I'll personally take the Mystery back within range of the island and make direct contact with the Council to confirm matters, then I'll return here before things kick off."

"Quick ships" David said quietly "almost think that was a wolf." He said impressed refering to her Leviathan.

"She makes do Captain, we've made some special modifications to the hull which helps us get around, in my line of work it helps to be swift." She said as head of her home's Intelligence officially the Mystery did not exist, all the funding for it had been hidden behind hundreds of encrypted reports and its construction had been made behind closed doors but coming to this fleet she'd needed to put her best foot forward and the best thing for that was the Mystery, now it would be tested to its limit.

Several Days Laster, Blackheart's Territory....

The initial attacks had occured a little after 0400hrs with with Troy Terrible, JJ Strong and David the Corrupted assaulting multiple fleets deployed by Blackheart's secondary bases, the attacks widspread in their nature and their destructiveness brought further ships from the other two support bases. Soon after missiles launched from Mark Red and Rick's base slammed into the bases designated as Alpha and Delta, the huge Orions destroyed multiple turrets and support buildings of the base almost as soon as the missiles had hit Mark and Rick's assault fleets had engaged the bases defences directly. On the far side of Blackheart's base Ninewon-three, Alacamenos and the Captain's fleets assaulted the remaining two bases. Ninewon-three's pair of dreadnaughts grinding through the enemies base structure after structure while Alacamenos' Missile fleet destroyed structure after structure with pin-point accuracy. The Captain's Sea Wolf Destroyer fleet ran interferance for both other pirates assaulting targets of oppertunity picking off the defending fleets and causing general havoc for the defenders.

Leaving it upto Lucy Campbell's island to assault Blackheart's main stronghold five heavily armoured and armoured Floating Fortresses. The five vessels deployed against Blackheart's base were under the command of Rear Admiral Bradley White one of the senior fleet commanders from their island, the ships deployed were the best they had with the best crews. Beside Admiral White stood Lucy Campbell "they've opened the door for us Admiral, are we ready?"

"It seems so Miss Campbell" White said despite her rank she was still by far his junior in age and experiance and sometimes he acted a little fatherly towards her, which more often than not got on Lucy's nerves but had also saved her from getting herself into further trouble. "Helm signal the other ships, take us in 3/4 maximum speed for the first turn then full throttle there on in."

"Aye, sir" the chief helmsmen reported moments later "sir, engines answering 3/4 speed,"

"Weapons pick targets at your discression, defence turrets a priority." White ordered as the Fortress accelerated through the waves, along side it another Fortress matched its speed while two others slotted in directly behind them finally a fifth Fortress followed, the slower of the five vessels it also carried a different weapons suite. While the forward four ships were equipped with Reactive Armour and enhanced engines coupled with Peacemaker Mortars and Draconian designed D33-A Assault Cannons the aft ship was the designated missile ship and escort, six Cutlass Missile Launcher with enhanced warheads and guiding lasers the ship was designed to defend the mortar ships as they left an enemies base and mop up after the mortar fire.

Moving forward the Fortresses engaged turrets on either side of the channel reaching the first turn Blackheart's defences were no match for their massed fire, Admiral White's ship took several hits as it moved towards the turn "Weapons control make sure your mortar fire is concentrated on the port side turrets, they seem to be most armoured and damaging. Communications, have the Aegis use her missiles to pick off Blackheart's Bombard Defence Turrets and Howitzers, even with their communications down they seem to have been picked off." White ordered as the ships made their turn and began to move deeper into Blackheart's main fortress.

"Oh no." Lucy whispered looking over one of the radar images. "Communications, Channel One communication line to Admiral Duinhir, we have aircraft raising from Blackheart's Island." She warned the communications officer instinctively looked at Admiral White for clearance, White nodded his agreement crossing the bridge to look at Lucy's monitor. "Four contacts, not the same as before but definently hostile."

"Agreed, just remember this is my vessel, I'm the one giving the orders." White whispered so none of the junior officers could hear, at the same time he flashed her a smile Lucy knew he wasn't completely serious, she also knew it was his ship.

In the skys above four helicopters now sat just outside Fortress weapons range firing missiles into the ships with missile and rocket fire from their stubby weapon wings. The same aircraft had previously been seen escorting Kixeye Corporation's other craft now in Blackheart's possession. However these craft unlike the V-22s seen before had only a single rotor above their tandem cockpit and another rotor at the back, now out of range of the Fortresses weapons they were impervious to attack and very effective against the slow moving Fortresses. If allowed to continue their weapons fire they would end up destroying all five of White's Fortresses, but there was a plan already in place to stop that happening. From above the clouds eight single propeller aircraft dived through the sunlight, from their nose and wings rockets and ripper fire tore into the first two of Blackheart's aircraft sending them to the ground in balls of flame, after the first pass the aircraft flew past the fighters ignoring the flak fire put up by Blackheart's base they turned around for a second strke against the aircraft destroying the final two aircraft the helicopters no match for the swifter aircraft from the Enterprise. With Blackheart's aircraft eliminated dive bombers from the Enterprise assaulted the final two of Blackhearts turrets, a series of explosions followed the pass and both turrets fell silent clearing the way for the Fortresses.

"Thank you very much." White said watching the bombers follow up their strike with a second round of bombs ruining what was left of their defence turrets. "Weapons as soon as we are in range of Blackheart's main base of operations open fire all weapons." He said crossing the room standing beside Lucy "so you think these people are worth our support."

"Yes Brad, they may be from far beyond our seas they are worth our support, their cause is just and their firepower is vast. It would have taken us months to get to this stage" Lucy said, White couldn't disagree with him as his Fortresses continued into the heart of Blackheart's stronghold. "All they need is supplies and an escort through this region, I think we can pay that price."

"Indeed, I think the council has much to discuss about what is going on." Lucy Campbell said as the mortars and missiles of White's fleet flattened Blackheart's base building by building, marines from the ships could soon go onto Blackheart's island and loot the resources that had survived the assault. Not only had the UEF assisted in removing an enemy of her people they had also provided them with the resources to take their research to the next level, suddenly the risk of confronting this force had proven its worth, now how much further they assisted the UEF was upto the council.

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #33 on:** April 13, 2012, 04:40:41 AM »

Thirty-two

"In every war there are actions that step of a line that make the warriors involved in it question their actions. How people react to these actions is what defines them and the conflict's resolution."

Slamming his fist against the table Todd Dredge gained looks from all around the Command Centre, in the last seventy-two hours the so called United Expeditionary Fleet of the Forsaken had travelled almost completely unmolested through seven Draconian Sectors pushing aside their opposition and securing supply routes. They used friendly Forsaken bases and mining fields to continue to supply their fleets amd so far nothing had slowed them. So far Kixeye had recruited several allies but they were still heavily outnumbered by the UEF, Todd's recruitment efforts continued by he needed to make more time and he had an idea looking up he saw both Lord Daemonicus and Commandant Shadow standing at attention beside the table "gentlemen, your efforts have been valiant and we have proven that the UEF is not the only alliance that can be formed and survive. We do however need to take further actions to slow and funnel the UEF into a more managable course."

"What do you mean?" Shadow asked looking from Todd to the map table.

"Each of you have been assigned other commanders from this region" Todd said handing them both lists of who would support them in operations "you will both take your fleets into flanking positions of the UEF." He said drawing his hands over the battle the region the fleet was travelling through. There you will initiate OPERATION SCORCHED SEA." Todd said smiling as he looked up at the two men.

"SCORCHED SEA?" Daemonicus asked unfamiliar with the plan or the term "could you elaborate?"

"Yes" Todd said continuing to smile "it's my personal plan. I want to herd the UEF into this channel of islands." He said drawing his finger through multiple Draconian outposts and Forsaken Islands.

"Why make these Forsaken bases the target of the UEF? At least at the moment they only hit bases that oppose them, setting them on this course will force them to covet support from these islands or destroy them." Daemonicus pointed out.

"Indeed Lord Daemonicus, however the Forsaken Islands on that path are all dead rocks, their people have left or been destroyed in the endless combat the pirates partake in. While the Draconian bases are some of the toughest in the area, which the UEF will either have to fight and sustain losses against or take time to go around either way it works to our advantage." Todd explained the two commanders nodded their agreement he didn't care if they agreed he just wanted this to work. "To that end when your fleets are in position they will target and destroy ever mining fleet in their region, clear any ship that could be taken by the UEF or Draconian salvage fleet that could keep the UEF supplied."

"Shouldn't be too difficult, with our allies from Sector One supporting us we should be able to clear all the ships quite easily and keep the regions clear." Shadow said

"Yes Final" Todd said smiling again at the Commandant "however after that you will begin PROJECT SCORCH." He said continuing "once Phase One of clearing all fleets from the region is complete you will begin Phase Two targetting the Oil Rigs, Power Windmills and mines in the area." He said drawing his hands down over the two areas flanking the course Todd wanted the UEF to take. The two other commanders looked shocked and confused by the plan, the mining fields were hold overs from the Earth before the great war, they were impossible to replace.

"If we destroy those places no-one will be able to use them?" Daemonicus said his voice hollow as he realized what Todd Dredge was suggesting "they will never come back, and the ocean around them will be ruined for decades." He pointed out a single Oil Rig exploding in the ocean would spread oil for hundreds of miles causing an enviromental disaster, no-one had the resources to contain it.

"But it will rob our enemies of these resources, which will make our lives far easier." Final Shadow said quietly "the destruction will be vast but our cause will be forwarded."

"You support this madness?" Daemonicus asked looking at his cohort surprised by the other Forsaken commander's attitude.

"I neither support or disagree with this plan, I follow orders." Shadow said quietly staying focused on Todd, the last thing he needed to do was anger their Kixeye commander.

"I am glad to hear of it." Todd said "Daemonicus, Kixeye have specialist equipment from the world-that-was before the disasters and the destructive war that had followed, once things have been returned to how we believe they should be, we will clean up the mess." He promised trying to alley any concerns they may have, this strategy was a gamble Todd knew it, and he knew his father would not nessessarily agree however it was what Todd had left to him. As the two other men left the room Todd drew his finger down the route that the UEF would be forced to follow right to the border of Sector Ten, there Jessica McGregor and Kixeye's main fleet would be waiting ready to crush what remained of the UEF which would with luck be low on supplies and struggling to repair battle damage after being herded from Draconian base to the next. It would be a death blow for the UEF, anyone that made it through would have no chance against Todd's reserve forces surrounding Ocean.

Returning to his personal Draconian Battlecruiser Lord Daemonicus was troubled by Todd Dredges orders, he'd chosen this path a very long time ago exchanging his life as a regular Forsaken Captain for one of the Draconians Allies. His pirate fleets had grown with the move and he'd gained more Draconian Technology everyday giving him the edge he'd needed to keep his people safe against the other pirates. Unfortunately he hadn't noticed the Draconians moving behind him as time moved forward, he'd almost been struck down by their dagger if it hadn't been for Kixeye Corporation. While the Draconians directly invaded and occupied his home island murdering those who refused to support their move, including his wife and daughter, he had been able to retreat with the majority of his war vessels intact. Supported by Kixeye Corporation Daemonicus had gone on the attack hitting Draconian targets every single day making them pay for their trechery, he now had no home only the war.

Now Dredge wanted to turn his people into more than Pirates, he wanted to turn them into War Criminals, he wanted them to destroy all that was left of the old world and then for Kixeye Corporation to come in and act like the savior. For a moment Daemonicus sat thinking over Todd Dredge's words "you and our other allies will conduct OPERATION SCORCHED SEA." He'd said "Kixeye has the technology to repair the damage done." Daemonicus sat thinking over these words and suddenly realized what Kixeye's plan was... Forsaken Captains would do the dirty work of this operation burning other Forsaken Captains finishing the UEF's fight by the most destructive path possible then Kixeye ride in like the legendary King Arthur of children's stories, Kixeye having no part in these acts of destruction would weild their arms like the mighty Excalibur and crush not only the UEF but also the forces commanded by Daemonicus and Shadow shattering all forms of organized resistance.

To Daemonicus, once burned by one supposed ally it was so clear, he was being used again. Sitting on the command bridge of his dark Battlecruiser he was tempted to contact Final Shadow regarding his beliefs unfortunately Shadow seemed to believe that the light shined out of Todd Dredge's and Kixeye's rear end, Daemonicus' arguements would fall on deaf ears. "Milord?" One of his crew asked again suddenly Daemonicus was aware of his enire bridge crew looking at him startled he had no idea how long he'd been lost in thought.

"Turn us away from the Ocean, head out to sea, it would appear we have our orders." he said "I will hold a senior staff briefing in six hours have all our other ships rendevoux with us by then." He ordered raising from his chair "XO, make my orders happen you have the bridge." he said turning walking out of one of the bridge's hatches he heard a marine shout "Lord Daemonicus off the bridge" as he headed away from the command centre.

Deeper within his ship's hull Daemonicus entered his quarters and walked over to the map table which dominated the centre of the room, the map was identical to the one on the command bridge and it's interactive top was constantly updated by the ship's radar, sonar and by commands inputted from the bridge. It was a marvellous piece of technology, one of the many his people had gained from their service with the Draconian Imperial Empire just another part of Daemonicus' "blood money" reward for helping the Draconians. Connecting his portable data pad to the table he downloaded his messages and moved across the room, the very first was from Captain Todd Dredge, still annoyed at what he believed Todd planned he turned and flung the padd across the room it smashed into pieces as it impacted.

"Milord, are you unhappy?" A small voice came from behind him, Daemonicus turned and saw her, Heather, now fifteen years old. He did not know her last name he never had, he'd rescued her from a sunken Forsaken ship three years before, the Draconians had little interest in a child as a prisoner and had ordered Daemonicus to deal with her as he saw fit. Instead of execution as other Forsaken prisoners had faced Daemonicus had made her his personal assistant, officially a slave to his fleet, in truth Daemonicus treated her more like an adopted daughter, after his own family's murder this became ever more of a fact.

"Troubled is a better word." He said turning to face her she wore the uniform of a member of his fleet but with no insignia, no name badge. Her red jacket and navy trousers completely devoid of the awards commonly seen on one of his staff's uniforms.

"How so?" She pushed further with her question as she proped herself up against her desk.

"I think" he paused looking at her "I believe, that those we are allied with mean to do us harm, despite our support for them."

"And what do you plan to do about this?" She asked cautiously, if it had been anyone else Daemonicus may have given a cryptic answer or refused to answer but not with Heather he smiled at her question.

"Well, perhaps it is time for us to stand on our own feet again, no allies." He said quietly pondering the thought his people, those loyal to him and no other were now crammed aboard thirty Draconian ships of varying class Battlecruisers, Battleships and Hammerheads mainly with two recently aquired Dreadnaughts completing the numbers.

"Alone with nothing to start again, milord you are not the most popular of people with the Forsaken or the Draconians, you have wronged and been wronged by both in your time as a pirate." she said pausing as Daemonicus turned away from her to the map he could see his ship's course had changed and a flag had appeared marking a rallypoint for his forces. "Perhaps there is another option." She said quietly joining him at the table drawing her finger over the table she quickly caught his attention, stopping at the UEF fleet currently moving through Sector Twenty-eight far beyond their current position, they were still more than a couple of weeks away even at the maximum speed of their fastest craft.

"I throw myself at their mercy? Heather, perhaps you forget the reason you are in my employ is because I hunted Forsaken captains to their graves." He said it was luidicrise for an idea like that.

"Perhaps if you offer them something." she said quietly "I read Captain Dredge's proposal, too aggressive to be truly successful, eventually the plan will come out and if you are not dead you and Shadow will fall with Kixeye Corporation." She said "there is an alternative." She said inputting several into the map table the image changed Daemonicus noticed the date had advanced by a month showing the complete devistation on Final Shadow's side of the UEF while on Daemonicus' only select regions had been cleared "I call it the North West Passage." She said Daemonicus had heard the term once before from a history book regarding the seas before the land was covered by water. "We destroy everything to either side of it but leave this region free to conduct operations as they see fit, you then give this information to the UEF and in return they give you amnesty."

"Another betrayal" Daemonicus said shaking his head. Heather moved to his side.

"Another betrayal" she repeated "to safeguard our people." She said laying her hand on his shoulder Daemonicus nodded he knew what needed to be done.

Later that day Daemonicus had met with his other ship commanders, the six fleet commanders of his much depleated fleet Lord Daemonicus had outlined Todd Dredge's plan and his belief that they would be made scapegoats by Kixeye Corporation. His commanders were not surprisingly shocked, Daemonicus then explained the plan that Heather had outlined to him just hours before and the Northwest Passage "we must make sure it is our ships that ply these waters, we can make it look destructive without it actually being terminal for the region."

"Milord, how can we be certain that our allies will stick to their assigned routes, Kixeye has assigned these people they must at least trust them, how can we be sure they will not turn us over to them?" Asked Lord Marcus Melville, a commander of some of Daemonicus' Battleships.

"We can't which is why we'll eliminate them if they cause trouble" Daemonicus said "if they stray into our Operational areas we will direct them out, if they refuse we will eliminate with prejudice." the other captains nodded, their rules of engagement were clear, no one argued with him they all understood what Daemonicus' plan was and they knew that the UEF may not listen to them and then they would have no-where to turn.

Over the next three weeks Daemonicus' forces made a good show of clearing their area of resistance wiping all signs of life from their zone. Daemoicus agents made a good show of exagerating each report sent to Kixeye Corporation while making sure those sent to support them kept within their operational zones. The reports Daemonicus was being fed from Commandant Shadow were brutal with high casualties and massive amounts of damage, with Shadow's forces systematically moving from island to island leaving massive damage in their wake. So far no-one had questioned his tactics and no-one had discovered the Northwest Passage, hopefully it could continue until the UEF were in range for contact.

"Milord, we have detected a massive amount of ships on radar approaching Sector Fifteen's border." One of his bridge officers reported moments later confirming "it's the UEF." He said confirming the Radar readings no-one else could make that signal.

"Understood, Communication pass to all our ships to 'activate order package Daemonicus One'" He said crossing the bridge to the main map table, his thirty ships were spread out across the region, it would take several days to gather everyone at the pre-arranged coordinates buried within the order package. The package itself everyone was very clear on, they had followed the commands once before in exacuating their home island, Daemonicus had recently updated it to match the current situation. Within the orders everyone would abandon current combat operations and move to regroup then together they would meet the UEF. Looking at the map Daemonicus just hopef that the UEF did not get too far into the gauntlet Kixeye had created.

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #34 on:** April 15, 2012, 07:47:50 AM »

Thirty-three

"There is a phrase never shoot a gift horse in the mouth. What about a potential ally? First impressions are not always your best start."

For six days the fleet had travelled from destroyed island to destroyed island they had been unable to collect any resources or provisions not had they gained any allies. The Captain had ordered the fleet slowed to three quarters speed to allow their supply ships to keep up with the fleet, however even their most promising projections had the fleet running out of fuel, food and materials for repairs in thirty-two days without another closer form of supply. Privately the Captain had wondered about the viability of the fleet's continued progress if they did not find re

sources. Entering his command Floating Fortress' bridge he walked straight to the table and looked at the fleet's progress even slowing they were now entering sector fifteen, his eyes flicked to sector seventy-three at the otherside of the map it seemed almost half a world away. He wondered what Rachel and his daughter Jaylen were doing, how they filled their days how much of his daughter's first years he would miss, he'd refused to consider that he wouldn't return to them, that wasn't an option.

"Commodore" one of his crew said the Captain continued to cringe hearing the archaic rank he was a single Captain thrust into a situation he couldn't control, now trying to find a resolution.

"Yes, Lieutenat" he said taking his eyes off the map.

"Sir, nothing to report from last night however in the last six hours we have detected a large formation of Draconian WarShips all Battlecruiser-class or better, they remain just within maximum sensor range." He reported connecting his data pad to the map it was transformed showing the fleet's position and the position of the Draconian vessels. "Strange as it is Commodore, there does not seem to be any cargo vessels with the Draconians, this isn't a supply convoy."

"Flanking force perhaps ready to hit our sides when we finally encounter something alive" he said remembering the dead islands they had passed, something wasn't right they were being set up or this was a really nasty sector to live in. "Bring the fleet to alert readyness six" he said raising the ships combat readiness would put more strain on the crew but a prudent choice given the Draconian presence. Around him the bridge lights darkened slightly, the fleet wouldn't be running with no lights but it would hopefully stick out less on the seas and more crew would be on duty at all times.

"Commodore, we also have a group of ships approaching from aft of the fleet, it appears to be a group of Battle Barges escorted by Sea Wolves. Some of the ships are from Michael's Island." Another officer reported the Captain frowned ships from his island were not supposed to supply the fleet, they were needed to defend the island while their primary fleets were with the UEF, unless something drastic had happened the Captain wasn't happy, either way the commanders of the ships approaching were in trouble.

"Understood" the Captain replied remaining neutral keeping his anger in check "have the commander of the lead vessel dock with us when they arrive. Which ship is it?"

"Identifies as the Michaels' Pride, one of our new Missile Wolves." The sensor operator said checking the codes broadcast by the incoming ship. The Captain stood there 'son-of-a-bitch' he thought the Michael's Pride was the name Senator Michaels wanted to name his own courier/diplomatic ship he'd planned on having for years but it had never been built originally it had been planned as a Marauder, then a Battle-Barge finally with the Captain away the Senator had chosen a Sea Wolf. And now he paraded it in front of the entire UEF, instead of doing his duty and protecting their homes and the Captain's family.

"Have the other ships supply our Leviathans." The Captain said leaving the bridge he headed for the docking port, perhaps todays lesson was to not think of home for it bore bad omens.

It did not take long for the fast moving Sea Wolf and Battle Barge supply ships to overtake the slower moving UEF fleet, the Michaels' Pride was soon moured alongside and the docking ramps extended. Awaiting aboard the Fortress the Captain paced, it did not take long for Senator Michaels to board the vessel, there was a quiet whistle as he boarded then stepped up to the Captain "Permission to Come Aboard."

"Permission granted with an explaination." The Captain said charing down the Senator grabbing him by the lapells of his navy suit "the deal was you protect our home while I complete this campaign." The Captain said turning the Senator he pinned the other man to the bulkhead "we had a deal." He said angrily he thought he'd reached a deal with the politician.

"We did however I was over-ridden." The Senator said calmly glancing past the Captain to the enterance hatch, the Captain followed his gaze to see Rachel and his daughter Jaylen cradled in her arms. Words escaped him as he embraced his with and daughter, he did not know why they had come but he was so glad to have them even for a short time.

"Why..." the Captain began to ask just as alarm bells rang throughout the ship indicating an attack "oh, no" he whispered turning to the Senator "I trust that this time you will follow my words and stay out of the way" he ordered kissing his wife once more he headed down the corridor back towards the bridge. Behind him he could see Senator Michaels try to lead Rachel and Jaylen back onto the still docked Sea Wolf.

Re-entering the bridge the Captain strode upto the bridge on a mission whoever these people were not only had they threatened his fleet but now they seperate him from the most important people in his world. "Report" he ordered walking upto the map table the Draconian vessels he'd seen before were now almost within range thirty ships in total all Battlecruisers, Battleships and mighty Dreadnoughts together the UEF outnumbered and outgunned them but the damage they would cause a lot of damage. He looked at the Sea Wolf closest to his Fortress of all the ships it was the most important "have we had any communications from the Draconian vessels?" He asked knowing the answer, it was the same old question he always asked on contact with an enemy but with the Draconians it was always the same answer.

"Yes, Commodore they made contact as soon as they turned towards us."

"They what?" He asked astonished spinning around to look at the officer. "What did they want?"

"To speak with the commanders of this fleet." The officer said, the Captain wondered if anyone had stepped forward and identified themselves as a leader yet. "So far no-one has communicated with them." The officer said as if reading his mind.

"Communication, to all UEF ships all stop." He said "Helm, bring us one hundred metres clear of the main fleet."

"Sir, that will leave us quite exposed and in the Draconian weapon range" Commander Harsell warned however under the deck plates the Captain could feel the ship's engines answer his commands as it moved forwards. Alongside them several other Forsaken ships accelerated with them looking down at the map the Captain identified Alacamenous flagship, the command ship of Captain's Grim, Rick and Simon Hell all joining them. Five Floating Fortresses to represent a fleet, all from the same sector all dedicated to the same cause. Behind them the Enterprise and a group of Sea Wolves were arrayed, fighters from the carrier launching while the wolves positioned them to defend the carrier.

"Send to the Draconian commander, this is a representation of the United Expeditionary Fleet, you are welcome aboard this Floating Fortress to neigotiate your surrender. Failure to board this Fortress will result in your forces being considered a threat to be eliminated." The Captain said ignoring Harsell's warning he was heartened by the other commanders willingness to stand with him exposed between the fleets now well within the range of the Draconians. "Also send to Admirals Alacamenous and Duinhir and the three other Captains with us to join us on this ship, each of them will have a say in this discussion. Commander have the Conference room prepared for visitors." There was a variety of achknowledgements of his orders then the Captain turned towards the door to see Rachel standing in the doorway Jaylen still cradled in her arms, he'd seen the Michaels' Pride move away he was sure that the Senator could have done one thing for him. Crossing to her his mouth wouldn't move the words refused to come out.

"We belong with you." Rachel whispered as they hugged any hopes he had of their safety were gone but the fears of losing them seemed far further away now.

A couple of hours later the five other Forsaken commanders were arrayed around the table with the Captain while they waited for the Draconians to arrive some like Alacamenous had seen the Draconians up close during a rescue mission he knew what to expect, while the others had seen detailed reports on them however this would be their first meeting. Marines opened the door and in entered a man wearing a full black uniform with a red cape and a Draconian red shield he wasn't old but he wasn't young his jet black hair and green eyes making him stand out. "You are not Draconian" Alacamenous said speaking before any of the others could speak the Draconians he'd seen were badly mutated relying on cybernetics and enviromental suits to survive in normal enviroments.

"Very perceptive Admiral, no I am as human as you are, as are the Draconians in the own way. We all find our ways to survive." He said addressing Alacamenous directly before turning to the Captain "I am Lord Daemonicus" he said identifying himself, the name the Captain knew one of Repossession's contacts.

"The traitor" Grim said raising from his chair "thiis man betrayed his people, all the Forsaken, for his little trinkets and weapons. Anything he says we cannot trust." He said raising his arms Grim had lost people fighting off Draconian forces at Daemonicus' Island he remembered every face that had served under his command and every funeral he had attended.

"I did" Daemonicus admitted "I betrayed everyone to gain prominence and power, it was my mistake of youth, however my choices hit me back hard when the Draconians turned on me. Killed my family, seized my home, my ships that are ahead of this fleet are all I have left."

"Then perhaps we should remove the burden of responsibility that you have left." Grim said still standing his anger not released, no-one else objected.

"Doing so would be a mistake." Daemonicus said "I know of the plan to trap you and this fleet, a plan that you cannot escape without my help..."

"We have you here already, interrogation is a great thing when used correctly." Duinhir said grimly not even looking at the man.

"Not under my command." The Captain said quietly the fleet so far had followed his lead when he had offered a solution, his senior leaders that were with the fleet who had chosen to stand with him ahead of Daemonicus' forces would not hopefully fall into line "Daemonicus, you betrayed the Forsaken forces and for that you will always pay the price of betrayal." He said looking at the man he could see pain etched on his face "now Kixeye have made open moves against this fleet by initiating a new strategy known as Scorched Sea." He said looking around all the commanders of the UEF "they plan to destroy every Forsaken Island in the region funnelling you into a corridor, at the end of which you will face all of Kixeye's might, something this fleet cannot survive." He said describing a no-win scenario, already the fleet was having supply shortages from lack or raiding they were able to do with almost no availiable targets they would be in more trouble.

"And what do you offer as a solution?" Simon Hell asked following the Captain's lead "if we have no targets this is the end of the road."

"Not quite..." Daemonicus said quietly "I think Kixeye's strategy is barbaric, I have done bad things in this war, it is testiment to a war crime." Daemonicus said around the table the others nodded, except for Duinhir who remained stone faced "I have refused to follow Kixeye's orders going as far as to join you here." He said pausing "I have also left a passage open in my territory that shoud allow this fleet to progress unmolested to Sector 10. There will be targets you can try to enlist or that you can raid for supplies. Kixeye will likely realize what I have done but by then their forces will be out of place."

"Why?" Duinhir asked quietly finally looking at Daemonicus

"I want to be allowed to disappear after the war is over, I will help you until Kixeye has been silenced, I want to be allowed to take my remaining people find a small corner of the world and be allowed to live in peace."

"After the damage you have done over your time..." Duinhir began raising his voice.

"Admiral" the Captain said sternly raising his own voice drowning out Duinhir "Lord Daemonicus can you give us a minute please."

"Of course." he said spinnning on his foot he retreated from the room.

"What's the story Admiral?" The Captain asked sitting down at the head of the table he knew Duinhir well enough to know that something was eating at him "let us know all story."

"Some of you may know, some maybe not but I've known the Pirate Dread from 74 for a long time, as far back as the Old Republic days. He wasn't always as bad as he is now." Duinhir explained many years ago mysef, Dread and Repossession were charged by the Republic with tracking down a pirate who used Draconian technology almost exclusively, someone that had been mercyless in his dealings with the defeated going as far as to burning the oceans around victims of sunken ships. He'd remain in the area just long enough to hear people's screams then disappear leaving others to clean up, one such clean up I met Rowan, my wife, she was one of this pirate's first victimes. I vowed to track him to the ends of the Earth, we chased him back to his island but by the time we arrived the Draconians had fully asserted themselves there and they protected him even with our combined power we couldn't break him. Dread broke away soon after betraying his oath to the Republic leaving us with no-way near enough to counter Daemonicus, he's drifted in and out of our lives over the years a constant thorn in our sides but never really raising to his pre-Draconian heights." Duinhir looked up at the Captain "if you now deal with him, you deal with a devil and after we're through with Kixeye you and I have words to share." He threatened looking at the Michael's Island Captain, Duinhir's fleets were all but destroyed but with his carrier force still intact he'd be a threat to contend with.

"Dad, we need this and we need to remain united." Alacamenous cautioned

"I know son but this monster will be our undoing." The elder Admiral said now sounding more worried "there is still Omega."

"Omega will not be used." The Captain said immeiately both Hell and Grim looked confused while Alacamenous looked more worried he respected both men but he knew that if a conflict began between his father and the Captain he'd have to choose one or the other. "We will follow Daemonicus plan, guards bring him in." The Captain ordered Lord Daemonicus was led back in "Lord Daemonicus we will follow your plan and you will support this fleet in all operations against Kixeye afterwards you will be free to do as you wish." The Captain said raising from his chair "but listen very carefully, you step over the line in your future conflicts and I will make it my personal mission to end the threat posed by your people. You're being given a second chance, don't waste it."

"I won't sir, I'll make the most of the future." He promised laying a data pad down on the table pushing it towards the Captain, "this course will allow will bring you into the North-west Passage and from there to Sector 10 and Kixeye Corporation's nest." He said "my people will flank this fleet any of Kixeye's hired guns will think twice before engaging my forces and that will buy this fleet time to eliminate them." The Captain nodded picking up the pad, he didn't know if this was the best plan or if he had permenantly damaged his Alliance with Duinhir and made a future enemy.

It appeared nothing was ever simple on the Forsaken Sea.

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #35 on:** April 19, 2012, 06:54:14 AM »

Thirty-four

"Best laid plans never survive contact with the enemy."

It was midnight when Todd Dredge entered the command suite on board Ocean, Kixeye's massive floating headquarters, analysts had predicted it would be now that the UEF would arrive at the border of Sector Ten and make contact with Jessica's force of Kixeye vessels. So far by all accounts Lord Daemonicus and Commandant Shadow had done a good job in "railroading" the UEF down a single course and although Todd's people had not made contact with the UEF for almost a week he knew they could be nowhere else none of his Forsaken Allies or Draconian agents had reported contact, they had to be where he intended them to be.

"Any word?" He asked reaching the table which dominated the room, like the Draconian's planning tables it constantly updated with information from the front lines in real time however glancing at it he could see there was little change.

"Nothing at all. We had a draconian force stray too close to Ocean however our defences here took care of them." The officer reported Todd almost laughed, Kixeye's reserve force all he had left if Jessica's fleet failed was comprised of several fleets of Battle Barges and Leviathan Battleships supported by a single fleet of Floating Fortresses and Todd's own command of five specially constructed ships. If Jessica's main fleet failed he'd have little chance turning away a major force such as the UEF.

"Anything from Daemonicus or Shadow?"

"Shadow reports Operation Scorched Sea continues unmolested with Forsaken forces falling back and mining operations being almost non-existant. Daemonicus reports he is moving through this area" the officer said drawing a pointer over the map showing an area from the UEF's approach course to Sector Ten "he reports he is putting down resistance in that area and his sub commanders are eliminating other resistance in accordance to Scorched Sea."

"Why take your fleet through this entire region when you could delegate forces under your command to do so?"

"Unknown." The officer said, suddenly raising his hand to his ear he touch a communicator "understood I will pass this on." He said turning back to Todd "sir, within the last five minutes a force comprised of Battle Barges, Marauders and Leviathans smashed into Jessica's forces, she has engaged." He said on the map Todd could see Jessica's green counters spreading out to contain the attack while red counters appeared marking the UEF forces, immediately Todd was hit by how few there was.

"Get me Jessica McGregor now" Todd ordered begining to realize what was going on.

Far out at sea in Sector Ten Jessica McGregor sat on her Floating Fortress' command bridge watching the battle unfold ahead of her ships were fighting and dying on both sides but more so on the UEF's this pitiful attack had no chance of succeeding, and without support of major capital ships it was a waste of ships and lives. "Mam, priority call from Captain Dredge."

"Put it though here." She ordered moments later the communications panel of her command chair lit up, unlocking the channel she spoke to her superior. "Sir, we are containing the probe attack, no major losses on our side as of yet."

"Are there any major ships? Fortresses, Wolves, Battleships?" Todd asked rapidly Jessica scanned the screens in front of her searching the information she saw none.

"Negative, it is strange, I have dispatched a Preadator squadron to scout the area and find the main fleet." She said making a mental note to do so as soon as possible.

"Negative, leave forces to contain the forces attacking you and proceed to these coordinates." Todd replied sending her coordinates half a sector away. "I believe the UEF main force will arrive somewhere along that line." He said it was over a week's travel from Jessica's position.

"We will be ineffective striking there, spread out a force the size of the UEF will crush us peacemail." She protested working the coordinates in her head then transmitting a series of values to Todd Dredge "if we intercept them here instead we can hit them in force in Sector Six."

"Can you be ready when they arrive?" Todd asked sceptically it would be a hard journey.

"Probably with more force then we could in ten."

"Do it." Todd ordered "Commander, do not communicate this with either Daemonicus or Shadow, we cannot be sure of their loyalties."

"They continue to stream updates." Jessica began to protest, despite not knowing the men she did not want to pass judgement on them so quickly.

"Possibly falseified. Do not communicate with them, I will deal with them." Todd said quietly before cutting the link Jessica was quickly on her feet calling out orders breaking up her fleet they had a lot of work to do and a lot of travelling ahead of them.

Back aboard Ocean Dredge assembled his remaining few reserve force commanders all veterans Kixeye Corporation did not scrap ships or commanders "Ladies and gentlemen, it appears what forsaken allies we had have now turned away from us abandoning their oath. Instead we will revert to plan B." He said looking at the other commanders, with Ocean's position they were closer to Sector Ten and the UEF's new arrival point, they were able to reach the UEF before Jessica's force. "Our plan will be to slow them as much as possible buying Jessica McGregor's force enough time to get into position, we will also specifically pick out Lord Daemonicus' forces and eliminate them. Daemonicus himself is to be considered an enemy of the state and eliminated with prejudice." Todd ordered the others nodded none questioning him, the coordinates were right at the end of the course being followed by Daemonicus' "clear-up squadron" if Todd was wrong he'd have wasted a fleet that could do nothing, if he was right he'd have unmasked a traitor.

Almost a week passed and still no UEF at Jessica's original position in Sector Ten, now her force was scattered between Sectors Ten and Six as they tried to regroup. Todd Dredge and his own reserve force were now the main force that would face off against the incoming UEF. Two hours ago scouts had reported contact with vessels belonging to Lord Daemonicus behind them multiple Floating Fortresses, Sea Wolf Destroyers and one unidentified vessel with a flat deck were visible, Todd had already called for air support from Ocean and from Jessica's forces if it was availiable. Sitting on the bridge of his command Sea Scorpion Todd was quiet, his ship and its four sisters were unique constructed in secret by Kixeye Corporation they were like their sister class the Sea Wolf but bigger and more powerful carrying more weapons and armour, Todd had ordered them painted as if they were on fire, a fire that would consume an enemy who face them.

With contact imminent Todd triggered the communications grid "all forces initiate order SILENT FIRE." He said "Report the Order is given for SILENT FIRE." Todd said quietly, SILENT FIRE was his final option, it was desperate but bold something that would give Kixeye a chance of surviving the UEF and perhaps eliminating the traitor Daemonicus. The sun had begun to set, it was the perfect time.

All around Todd's Sea Scorpions Battle Barges began to move forward, to each of the Barges two Marauders were assigned as an escort turning each of Todd's fleets into fleets of three ships instead of five. The massive wall of ships that was the UEF began to come into view just on the horizion to an unknowing observer would almost think each ship was connected allowing one to walk ship to ship, Todd knew more however he knew that there were individual ships out there and individual ships sunk under enough fire.

The UEF under the guidance of Lord Daemonicus had fought their way to the border of Sector Ten as promised the North-west Passage had provided them with the resources required to survive the journey and had kept the UEF together and ready for battle. The sun was setting on the horizion when the initial call came in a sighting on the ocean surface too small to be a major ship it had initially been expected to be a mining fleet, unfortunatly they could not have been more wrong.

As the sun disappeared the UEF ships were silloetted against the moon made for little more than targets on such a peaceful night. Anyone could have been forgiven for missing their enemy running with no targetting sensors, no running lights or even active engines the UEF rode straight up to them until lookouts with bare eyes saw their enemy and the fire.

At point blank range the first enemy Battle Barge exploded in flame stripped of their weapons, reinforced armour and with cargo holds full of scrap metal the ship had been turned into little more than a sailing terrorist bomb. Within twenty metres of a UEF Floating Fortress the explosion coated the mighty vessel in flame while coating others in shrapnel causing yet more casualties. At almost the same time the Marauders assigned to escort the Battle Barges erupted with cannon, rocket and missile fire tearing into yet more of the UEF's ships.

Half running onto the bridge of his Floating Fortress the Captain saw a scene of pure mayhem in front of him as the third Battle Barge exploded within the fleet consuming a Sea Wolf destroyer, the light combat vessel designed for swift strikes were not designed to sustain heavy fire, under the explosive fire of the suicidal Battle Barge the Wolf had no chance and was sinking quickly. "Transmit to all ships activate all floodlights and sensors all Battle Barges and Marauders are to be sunk without a second thought." The Captain ordered moving to his chair, throughout the fleet lights lit up the massive fleet revealing further Barges still moving into their positions. The Captain had ordered all the UEF's Marauders and Barges to assault the Kixeye forces assembled at the border of Sector Ten as a distraction to keep their enemies attention away from the main fleet, obviously Kixeye's commander had seen through this ruse. It did however make countering this latest assault far easier.

The massed firepower of over seventy ships bore down on the few Barges and Marauders Kixeye had deployed against them, two more Barges exploded before they could be targetted however they did little more than shower the UEF vessels with shrapnel. The cannon, rocket and missile fire from the Marauders caused little damage as they too were cut to pieces under the UEF's fire.

"Commodore, further contacts at maximum range, missile fire incoming." Someone reported on the bridge the Captain looked at the screens seeing the red and gold coloured Sea Wolf-like vessels supported by Floating Fortresses they were continuing to fire missiles at the fleet however they were also moving away from the UEF.

"They are done." The Captain whispered low enough so no-one could hear, he looked at his screens three Floating Fortresses crippled two Sea Wolves destroyed several other ships damaged too much to continue not to mention the hundreds of sailors injured by shrapnel. "Now Kixeye shows its colours" the Captain said.

"Sir, message from Daemonicus flagship they are pursuing the retreating enemy vessels with or without us."

"Tell him to enjoy himself, we're in no condition for a pursuit. Contact Enterprise have the Admiral set up some air cover for us. All ships to maintain full lighting throughout the night, we are not being caught out again. Have Sub-master Angelique watch the depths, I don't trust Kixeye not to arrive with further surprises." The Captain warned.

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #36 on:** April 20, 2012, 08:07:51 PM »

Thirty-five

"Lord Deamonicus, some did not know if he was to be trusted or not others thought he was miss guided, the truth may never be known"

On the bridge of his command Floating Fortress the Captain watched events unfold. The final "fire-ships" sent by Kxeye had been destroyed the remaining Forces had begun to retreat towards a larger assembled force deeper in Kixeyes waters. The Captain watched silently as Lord Daemonicus' 30 ships accelerated beyond the UEF, the Draconian designed hulls faster than the majority of the UEF's forsaken hulls.

"Sir they are ignoring communications." One of his officers reported the Captain nodded watching the chase unfold. He must have watched for an hour then a second before as they reached the third hour contact was made. Extended range missiles and mortars from kixeyes massed fleets cut into Daemonicus fleets forcing the together as they continued to charge.

The Captain could imagine chaos on Daemonicus' ships as Kixeyes firepower seemed to increase as the two opposing forces met. The Battleships flanking Daemonicus formation were first to fold cut down by the incoming fire, ship after ship seemed to crack, split and sink reducing Daemonicus numbers and reducing the Draconian's number of targets.

As more and more of Daemonicus ships disappeared from view the two opposing almost appeared to merge into one, the Draconian ships turning in on Daemonicus' surrounded ships.

One of the large Dreadnoughts and a pair of the nimble battlecruisers appeared like they may make it all the way through the Kixeye formation however they disappeared like the rest near the rear edge of the kixeye fleet. The Captain wasn't sure if it was because they had moved beyond radar range or if it meant they were destroyed either way it didn't matter. "What a waste" muttered all Daemonicus had done was mess up the Kixeye formation, so much for the pirates wish to live a peacefull life. "All ships, prepare for imminent contact with the enemy." The Captain ordered "How many do we count..." He whispered looking at the numbers of enemy ships on the table it must have numbered about twelve hundred ships a little under twice as many as the UEF's forces. The Captain quietly questioned his earlier decision to send the Barges and Leviathans away when they met Daemonicus and changed course, the decoy attack had caused no real damage to the Kixeye formation there and most of his people had been forced to retreat and were now hoplessly out of position. "There's an old saying" he said louder so the bridge could hear "fortune favour the bold."

"Sir, incoming Forsaken contacts bearing 270 mark 3 speed 25 knots." The Radar operator shouted out the Captain looked at the map as it updated with the new information a significant force was moving into position off our eastern flank."

"Incoming hail!" The Communications officer reported moments later the bridge speakers came alive with a man's voice.

"UEF, this is Rear Admiral Alfred Johnson, we are the Legionaries. I bring you greetings from Admiral Lucy Campbell." The Captain also smiled she'd disappeared shortly after contact with Daemonicus he'd wondered when she'd appear again. "We want to assist you in fighting Kixeye Corporation, our forces have travelled from sector eight to one hundred."

"Comms, send in response, this is the UEF to Legionarie force, your assistance is most welcome remain on our east flank, hit the Kixeye forces there." The Captain said in response he watched as the fleets of the Legionaries moved into position, their numbers almost matched the numbers the Captain had sent as a decoy although their size and firepower far outreached what had been lost. Instead of Barges and Leviathans

"Sir, Duinhir is sending up his fighters and bombers, ten minutes until contact with the enemy. Sealing all pressure doors, encrypting communications." One of his crewmen said. Now it was a waiting game... the clock counted down above the bridge door.

The first to engage Kixeye were Duinhir's fighters, high above the fleet Kixeye's advanced tilt-rotor aircraft against Duinhir's propeller driven aircraft it was the high technology of Kixeye against Duinhir's numbers. Missiles passed between the forces then machine gun fire as the two closed and aircraft began to fal from the sky. On the Ocean's surface combat was just begining, missiles and mortar fire traded between the two forces. Kixeye's massed Fortress, Leviathan and Hammerhead type craft against all the forces of the UEF and the Legionaries.

The Captain's Fortress had taken a series of hits but it was still operational he stood on the command bridge watching the battle unfold his XO Commander Harsell directed most of the bridge commands while he had stood back and looked at things from a broader view. An hour ago Admiral Duinhir had reported his Enterprise had taken damage from torpedoe fire, it was either a Kixeye vessel that had been missed or friendly fire but the carrier was damaged and couldn't stay with the fleet, it was now slowly slipping back in the formation. Duinhir had promised his fighters would cover the fleet for as long as possible as they continued to fight off Kixeye's tilt-rotor aircraft however the big flat-top would be a major miss for the fleet.

Off on the eastern flank a group of Legionarie Longboats supported by Battle Barges carrying long range missiles were running off a fleet of Kixeye Fortresses. The smaller Longboats equipped with torpedoes and upgraded engines allowing them to dart into and out of range of the Fortress' mortars and cannons while the group of Battle Barges provided covering missile fire, the Captain had to admit the inclusion of the Legionarie forces had evened the battle slightly. The Fortress rocked from another hit but the Captain ignored it his eyes instead caught something on the map table. "Magnify Section 62 by 14" he ordered the map took moments to change, the Captain still marvelled at the technology, captured from a destroyed Draconian vessels he sometimes forgot he used to stand over a table with paper maps.

Looking at the map in front of him he saw a group of five Kixeye Fortresses turn away from battle heading across Sector 6 at great speed, so far they had remained out of the fighting and now they appeared to abandon the battle "I wonder where you are headed?"

Same time, Within the Kixeye fleet...

Aboard his Sea Scorpion Admiral Todd Dredge watched Jessica McGregor's Fortresses move he'd heard of the attack on her precious base, he'd hoped she would see sense and abandon it to support the destruction of the UEF but it appeared not. "Can we raise McGregor on comm?" He asked watching her specialty Fortresses accelerate designed for speed, so far they hadn't taken part in this fight but Todd could have used them later in the fight.

"No sir" the communications officer said. Todd watched as the ships pulled out of formation leaving a gap which UEF forces immediately moved towards he could do everything in his power to counter them but it was just one problem he'd encounter. His ships were unsupplied due to their long stretch waiting in Sector 10 for the UEF, some were damaged due to the UEF's decoy attack launched against the forces there others were low on fuel due to the long trip to Sector 6. Now he had ships abandon their posts he shook his head if McGregor survived this little trip he'd have her executed.

"Pull us out." He ordered "have as many forces as possible disengage with the UEF and fall back to Ocean's position." He said, his own fleet of Sea Scorpions would be easily able to disengage, some of the other units would as well but he'd lose ships in this, something else he'd have to thank McGregor for.

Same time, Jessica McGregor's Flagship

"Sir message from flagship, we are to return to our previous position and prepare for a frontal assault on the UEF."

"Disregard all communications from Mr Dredge" Jessica said from her Fortress' central chair "plot course for Black Box, communications send a single message to them 'it's time to pack'" She ordered "then take us to communicatons silence, rig for maximum speed." She ordered, her Fortresses were designed for speed it was time to show this accelerating as fast as a Sea Wolf the formation of five ships slipped into transport formation, one ship behind the next. Their Siege Cannons were able to disuade any form of pursuit from the UEF and from Dredge's forces. "Intelligence, I think it is time for to open orders plan nine." She said looking over at the Intelligence Desk and the two crewmen seated there, she remembered when she used to sit there recieving the orders. She knew what Orders 9 was, few others did. This time next week her ships may be plying the shipping lanes as an independant pirate force, she could imagine worse fates.

Shortly after, Captain's Fortress UEF

The Captain stood on the bridge of his ship watching in amazement as the Kixeye fleet appeared to splinter then break, it had started with the five Floating Fortresses heading off on their own. The UEF had moved to take full advantage of this and charged to fill the gap splitting the Kixeye Corporation fleet, more UEF ships charged into the gap forcing the gap wider fighters from the Enterprise heaping further damage on the Kixeye vessels. This seemed to break up the Kixeye fleet, soon after formations of Leviathans, Wolves and Fortresses all began break away heading in their own direction courses all away from the UEF. Some were damaged enough to retreat but others were in almost pristine condition and could fight on for hours. He couldn't understand it the large Sea Wolf-type ships in the centre of the formation had been firing missiles constantly for the entire engagement but now even they had begun to retreat.

"You cowardly bastard" The Captain said trying not to smile.

"Captain?" Commander Harsell asked looking over at his commander, now the Captain did smile, for the first time in weeks one of his crew had used his true rank.

"That cowardly bastard at the centre of that formation" he same pointing at the now retreating Sea Scorpions "he can't match us. He can't even stand up to us or risk losing, instead he engages and retreats." The Captain said smiling "order all forces to regroup, salvage operations to commence on any and all damaged vessels, see if the Enterprise can stay with us, I'd like Duinhir to be with us until the end he's owed that much, if not offer him guest quarters if any survived the battle. And send word for our supply ships to make their runs as soon as they are able, I want to be repaired and ready to sail as soon as possible." He said making a series of orders he noticed that the Enterprise had fallen yet further behind the rest of the fleet, he doubted it could be patched up in time but it had served them well so far and its commander was due a seat at the final battle.

"The course? Captain" the commander asked again using the Captain's true rank, it was one of those types of days everything had its time and place and this was just such a time.

"We're going to end this war, pursuit course of those five ships, right to the heart of Kixeye held territory, no more road stops no more retreating we're going to end this." The Captain said triumphantly taking his seat at the centre of the bridge. The Commander stood there for a moment, bringing himself to full bearing he saluted the Captain holding the pose for almost a minute before barking a series of orders. The Captain sat there his eyes barely leaving the screens in front of him as he watched Kixeye's commander retreat again whispering a promise to low for anyone else to hear. "Only surrender, no retreat, it's you or me."

Hope you're enjoying this??

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #37 on:** April 21, 2012, 10:34:10 AM »

Thirty-six

"I never found the term ENDGAME fitting. War is not a game, war is deadly, brutal and sometimes completely unfair. Anyone who believes war is a game should have their head examined and take a good long look at life." - Flag Admiral Artan B Duinhir

Somewhere over Sector 56,

The winds buffeted the aircraft as it carried Flag Admiral Artan Duinhir over the Forsaken Seas. Sitting in the rear seat the Admiral was nothing but a passenger on this specially built aircraft. Shipped in pieces to the Enterprise it had been constructed for this one and only flight, it had no weapons to speak of, limited radar and radio equipment and one massive fuel tank. According to his engineers the aircraft had been lightened so much that it could potentially fly from Sector 1 to Sector 100 without stopping. Duinhir was very happy he didn't have to test that today, what he needed was in Sector 56.

"Admiral, we are over the target area" the pilot shouted from the forward seat Duinhir looked out the canopy and saw them below. In the centre was the Hornet, a sister ship to Enterprise, she was flanked Four Forsaken Floating Fortresses one of which would be the Electra his old trusty flagship, and surrounding them were ten Sea Wolf-type destroyers. All in all around 90% of what remained of the Admiral's surface fleet, the other two "Flat-top" carriers, more Sea Wolves and his salvaged Draconian Battle-cruisers and Battleship would still be in Sector 73 protecting his rebuilding Island and protecting the remains of his civilian population. I brought a glimmer of hope to Artan to see the old Electra back making a difference again, Joshua Holloway had kept her out of sight and out of mind for so long most had probably missed the fact it had not been in port during Kixeye's raid, it had survived intact and operational carrying out Holloway's commands. "I'm taking us down Admiral, I suggest you assume the crash position, this could get a little hairy." The pilot warned, Duinhir hated not being able to do anything but this was well beyond his expertise ducking down he braced himself for the worse. Moments later there was an impact and a screech from the aircraft's wheels as they impacted the Hornet's deck there was a strange but immediate sense that someone had grabbed the tail at the rear of the aircraft and was pulling back as the plane slowly slowed in momentum.

The landing was not world class but both Duinhir and the pilot were able to walk away from it which from what Duinhir had seen of his "great experiment" was not something to ignore. His people had done an awesome job in brining aircraft back to the forces of the Forsaken and the aircraft aboard Enterprise had been decisive so far in countering the aircraft deployed by Kixeye.

Moving deep into the bowls of the ship Duinhir was far more at home, after spending nearly a year aboard Enterprise as part of the UEF fleet he knew the corridors of Hornet like the back of his hand. The ship was nearly identical to Enterprise even after the battle damage both ships had taken during their service. He entered one of the main briefing rooms near the centre of the ship a marine guard shouted "Flag Admiral Duinhir entering!" As he moved into the room, at the table near the centre of the room he found Admiral Joshua Holloway and the ship's commander Captain John Ezchukwu the towering olive skinned man dwarfed both superior officers, both men saluted Duinhir as he approached which he smartly returned before extending his arm.

"Mr Holloway, it's been a long time." He greeted as Holloway met him shaking his hand. "I see you've recovered?" He asked looking at Holloway during their time apart Joshua had ran a few operations of his own using the Electra and Hornet as his main base of operations, staying away from Duinhir's island he'd aimed to minimising the association the ship had with the place trying to avoid retrabution strikes. During one such operation the Electra had been set ablaze by Draconian boarding forces as the crew fought a brutal hand-to-hand battle, Holloway had been caught in an explosion and recieved extensive burns to his back and arms.

"Mostly, sir, although still tender in places." He admitted Duinhir nodded he'd known Joshua Holloway for a long time, sometimes the man acted on instinct before using his brain but more often than not he turned out to be one hundred percent right which gave Duinhir a lot of time for the man. "Sir, we're in position over the facility" he said turning to the table, Captain Ezchukwu manipulated the controls and a holographic representation of the Hornet appeared above the table Duinhir was impressed perhaps Hornet did have a surprise or two over the Enterprise. The image zoomed out showing the Hornet near the top above a moving line which represented the surface of the sea, under it four smaller images hovered over a structure. "As you can see our Predators are holding position over it acting as defence and as our eyes."

"Is our prize intact?" Duinhir asked fevorishly this one question would determine the value of this operation and perhaps the outcome of the war.

"It would appear so, Admiral. There will be some work required to do but it should be ready." Holloway confirmed on the hologram the structure was now marked with a yellow trefoil symbol, the age old recognisable symbol for radiation, a nuclear facilty.

UEF fleet, Sector 3,

All resistance from Kixeye appeared to have fallen to pieces with nearly all their forces abandoning their bases and operations falling back to Sector 1. The UEF had been allowed to continue on nearly completely unmolested gathering numbers as they moved. Unlike the outnumbered fleet that had faced Kixeye in Sector 6 the UEF now numbered nearly seven hundred fleets of ships over one thousand individual ships and their crews, it was a gigantic armada which the seas had never seen. Not all the ships would see the final battle, some were too badly damaged and would be forced to return home, others were supply vessels making their final runs before others were ready almost itching to deliver the final blow against Kixeye's Headquarters the massisve ship known as Ocean.

"To attack Kixeye's Headquarters enmasse would be detrimental to our success." The Captain explained, "we need to approach Ocean just like we have approached Blackheart and the others that have stood and fallen against this fleet." He said around the table were the senior commanders of the fleet minus Admiral Duinhir who had chosen to leave the fleet with Enterprise instead of remaining as a passenger aboard another ship. The Captain had been sorry to see him leave but understood his choice.

, he'd privately wondered if he could serve on a ship under another's command. "Instead we will break into individual battle groups each with an assigned task. If each of us attend to our duties we will be successful." He promised, there was few things in war that could be guaranteed but the Captain was certain that they could not be stopped. "Task Force Alpha, commanded by the Commodore Rick will strike at these two Battle Barges and their defences." The Captain said circiling the Battle Barges attached one end of the massive ship Ocean he said glancing at the first forsaken pirate he'd met all those months, no years ago.

"Not much of a target." Rick complained although the Captaiin knew he was probably wanting to complain more about the honoury UEF rank than the mission, the Captain smiled.

"Trust me, Commodore" he said making Rick as uncomfortable with it as the Captain himself felt "there is more to it, your forces will then rally here with the Legionaries as a ready reserve force." He said circiling another part of the map turning to Admiral Johnson. "Admiral, we haven't fought with you much, I'd rather your remaining forces were in a position to go with the flow of combat. If any particular Task Force is struggling you are free to assist or you rendevoux with Rick's people. As an official member of the UEF, I'd ask you to defer to his judgement."

"Of course Commodore" the Admiral said using the Captain's UEF rank. "We have been ordered to do anything that you command." He said neutrally glancing at Rick "I have heard of Commodore Rick by reputation only, an honourable man for a pirate, I believe from your Sector 73 also?" The Captain nodded "we will support his efforts where possible.

"Task Force Beta, commanded by Commodore Simon Hell will do the opposite of Rick's forces and eliminate these two Battle Barges and draw their defences out of position." He said drawing a third map circle creating a third reserve point.

"Why have three reserve points?" Hell asked "shouldn't we all go on the offence, once our objectives are made."

"I'll explain" The Captain said continuing "Task Force Gamma, under command of Admiral Alacamenous Duinhir will be stationed here." He said drawing yet another position on the map this one far from battle.

"Commodore, please my father may have been forced to retreat but my people are fully ready for combat and committed to this cause." The younger Duinhir protested the Captain knew that Alacamenous had offered his father a position aboard his vessel which he'd also refused.

"I know Alan" he said using Alacamenous' given name "your force will be commited to one thing, anti-air protection. Ocean is a floating airstrip far larger than the Enterprise or her sisters. This thing is a monster more than likely full of aircraft. Your ships are covered in missiles with extended fuel cells and sophisticated targetting systems perfect for anti-air defence, I need your people to keep those fighters off me." The Captain stressed, Ocean was the site of KIXEYE's power he knew it also had to be the home of their air forces and these forces would be capable of turning the battle against them without a counter.

"If we have no evidence of aircraft may we join you in the main assault?" Alacamenous asked almost pleading, he was young and needed tempered by time. The Captain intended on giving him that needed time.

"Negative you will rendevoux at this point and form reserve four, and if able provide counter fire against Ocean's guns." The Captain said raising his hand to forstall an arguement. "Gentlemen, all of KIXEYE's forces have recalled to Sector 1 but Todd has a force smaller than that he had in Sector 6. I smell a rat, a trap bigger than we've encountered so far. I don't intend on falling into it." He said drawing a final circle around the largest of the ships on the table "this is Task Force Omega, it will be under my direct command. We will assault Ocean directly and counter this formation of ships." He said pointing at a small group of ships closest to Ocean.

"How do you know they won't be drawn away by either Rick's or my own attack?" Hell asked.

"Because this fleet is commanded by the same man who led the force in Sector 6 and he doesn't want to face us in combat." The Captain said being more polite about his opponent than he had been previously on the bridge of his Fortress.

"Commodore, I do not mean to offend but there are others in this fleet that has more firepower that may be able to complete this mission better than you." Rick said trying to remain diplomatic, he was right the Captain's ships were not the toughest but this was something the Captain had to do.

"Two more Floating Fortresses and two Leviathans with extended cell missiles arrive with the fleet tomorrow. They will augment my current Fortress and Leviathan force." He said two of his Leviathans were already on their way home due to battle damage although this would take the Captain's personal force to seven ships. He wasn't looking forward to coordinating them but the numbers would make up his firepower nicely. "We will be ready, Ocean will fall in two days time."

Ocean, Sector 1

"You are an absolute disgrace." Admiral Dredge said staring down at his son. "Not only did the UEF break your force in Sector 6 you broke up that fleet as you retreated. You couldn't even hold them together!" His father shouted "You are hearby reduced in rank to Captain, I will leave you in command of your Sea Scorpions, please prove your worth in command of these craft."

"Father..." Todd began "sir, McGregor left our forces, she gave the UEF the opertunity it needed to strike us. With UEF forces inside our lines I had no choice but to fall back reorganise and prepare for the next battle."

"McGregor, was following my orders, she has...." he paused covering up details Todd was not privy to "other problems to deal with." He said Jessica McGregor's force was currently embattled with the Legionaries in Sector 6 at her so called secret Intelligence Headquarters. Dredge hadn't heard from her since her Fortress squadron engaged the Legionaries forces, for a dead alliance they had truely returned with vengence.

"Sir, the UEF now approach here, when does Ocean move?" He asked normally when someone got close enough to threaten the massive twenty-one thousand ton vessel would change position keeping KIXEYE's leadership from danger and retribution."

"We are going nowhere." Dredge told his son "I have ordered all your auxiliary forces to fall back here and support us. I have heard nothing from Daemonicus?"

"He betrayed us, his fleet charged mine in Sector 6, his ships mixed with ours then the UEF attacked, I am unsure if he was killed or not."

"If he didn't then he'll be another loose end to tie up." Dredge said shaking his head he'd thought his son was ready, perhaps he'd been wrong. "The rest are falling back from Sector 10-15 to support us. They will fall onto the UEF's back, between their anvil and our hammer we will crush them."

"When will our reinforcements arrive?" Todd asked

"If they remain in Sector 3, the first elements will be on them in two days if the UEF travel here three days." Dredge said, now it was back to a waiting game, the UEF had forced their hand by coming here now KIXEYE Corporation would survive as an entity on the high seas or it would survive as it had the years before the floods as an entity behind closed doors. Dredge had already made plans, KIXEYE Corporation would survive Jessica McGregor's Project Black Box was just part of the contingency, even if she failed Dredge had sowed the seeds for his people, and his plan to succeed."

UEF Fleet, Sector 2. Captain's Fortress

The two days ticked by slowly the Captain went over the plan one hundred times and put out what seemed like a dozen bush fires amongst his UEF allies as tempers frayed. The fleet sailed through Sector 3 and into Sector 2 without a single challenge, in these sectors they found destroyed island after the next. Without anything pressing to concern himself with he'd taken to spending time with Rachel and his young daughter Jaylen, although he knew their being here would endanger their lives he was glad for it now, here at the end.

"It'll be over quicker than we know then we can go back to our lives." Rachel sad trying to keep his spirits up, she was a bright light in his life. She'd always seen the bright side of things even when they were both injured following Blackheart's attack, she had reminded him almost daily that it was that attack and the injuries they sustained that brought them together.

"It will be over one way or the other" he said quietly Jaylen now almost two years was growing fast trying to stand or crawling faster than the Captain could walk and she was into everything. The Captain had thought a raiding pirate was inquisitive but they had nothing on his daughter. By the time they returned home the Captain had visions of her running around the Fortress. The Captain made a mental note to have the engineers make safe his quarters rounding off sharp edges and such. "I need you both to remain below during the attacks behind as much armour and bulkhead as you can find." He said looking at his wife who offered him a smile.

"I helped Owen complete the designs on this thing, I know what makes her tick and where to go during a fight. Won't make much difference anyway one spark of the ammo and this thing will go up like a rocket." She reminded him the Captain had to admit she was right if the Shockwave mortar ammo was hit they'd be dead, but so far the ship's luck had held, just a little further.

"If we get boarded, I have a squad of marines with orders to get you off the ship and into open seas. Cougar's wolves or one of our allies will pick you up." He said still worrying about the details of battle, an eperianced combat veteran now even he should know that rarely does plans survive a coming battle, especially when there were other forces acting.

Fortress Electra, Sector 56

It was time. Duinhir's engineers had done everything in their power to make the facility operational and it's single missile active. Some of them had spent nearly 9 days straight underwater in the submerged facility. According to all reports they were ready to launch "direct all ships to clear the launch path, I don't want anyone caught by this thing's wake." Duinhir ordered

"Sir, incoming surface contacts!" One of the crewmen shouted before anyone could even answer Duinhir's order.

"Cancel launch orders." Duinhir said looking at Holloway "what are they?"

"It appears to be a group of forsaken ships" he answered looking at the radar readouts "fighter CAP, confirms a group of 30 Forsaken Warships."

"Hail from the lead vessel." The communication's officer announced activating the bridge speakers

"I repeat this is the Forsaken Loyalists, Admiral Duinhir, you will stand down operations immediatly or be considered a hostile and eliminated." The female voice said, her voice seemed familiar but it was so distorted Duinhir couldn't place the name. He reached for the controls to reply to the communications then remembered he was aboard the Electra and she didn't have all the technical improvements his other ships had, reaching above his head he grabbing the hand microphone.

"This is Admiral Artan Duinhir, who do you think you are ordering me to stand down?" He asked annoyed he was a pirate, he did as he chose no-one ordered him around like an underling.

"Your wife." She replied Duinhir was stunned, was he so far removed that he couldn't even recoignise is own wife's voice? "I know what your plan is Artan, I won't let you do it." Duinhir's mind was racing Rowen had been attacked by KIXEYE as well she knew their destructive power, how could she stop him now.

"It has to be done."

"You will kill them all their people, our people, your own son. I won't let you do it, and others agree with me. If your ships attempt to clear a launch zone we will blockade it, if you try to defend it we will attack you."

"Rowen..." he began to argue but couldn't find the words, his own wife had turned against him, through everything they had suffered, it was the last thing he'd expected.

"We can destroy her force." Holloway cautioned Duinhir before he made a choice "we have the airpower and the ships, I can have reinforcements here to support us when needed."

"She is my wife" Duinhir said angrily at Holloway, of all the things he wouldn't do was fire on the one person he loved and who loved him back. Grabbing the microphone he tried to speak again "Captain Rowen, what do you suggest we do instead? KIXEYE cannot be allowed to prevail."

"Replace the warhead with a conventional one, trust your son and his allies." She said her ships continued to close the Electra's sensors identified each ship as carrying short range weapons and noted that all the ships were targetting Duinhir's ships. He almost smiled, one reason this weapon had not been used was because of the strategy that involved it. Known as M.A.D it stood for Mutually Assued Destruction, the idea being that if someone used this weapon others would use their and destroy them in an equally devastating counter attack. Although his opponent did not have the weapons to match Duinhir in destructive capability they did have enough to destroy his forces in the coming battle despite Holloway's assurances.

"That could take days." He protested, he knew her answer before the reply even came.

"Time for your son to succeed."

Alacamenous flagship, UEF fleet, Sector 2

For years Alan Duinhir had been in his father's shadow, simply put his father had more firepower, experiance and in some cases drive than his son. When his father's Enterprise had retreated Alan had offered his father a place on his ship, it was the right thing to do, but when he'd refused the younger Duinhir was quietly pleased. Finally he'd have a chance to make his mark without his father's presence. Now however he was again in the shadows this time from the Captain of Michaels Island.

Alan respected the man, he couldn't not respect him, he'd come from nowhere and brought down an pirate lord who had troubled two sectors by sheer force of will and personality. He'd forged the UEF by carefully selecting allies who would support the same goals, Alan himself included, and he'd focused them all on a common enemy. But now in those last days when Admiral Alan "Alacamenous" Duinhir had his chance to take the fight to the enemy, to force KIXEYE to its knees, he had been reduced to a support role. The Captain's arguements that Alan's ships were designed for long range combat were completely correct, Alacamenous liked missiles he had wolves, leviathans and fortresses all with missiles all very destructive all very capable. But the role he'd been given eliminating KIXEYE's air threat was a limited one, one that would offer little glory.

Sitting in his quarters he quietly wondered if anyone ever wrote a story what would the story of the great Admiral Alacamenous Duinhir be, would he be the man who's ships were instrumental in the destruction of KIXEYE Corporation or would he be the footnote? Always overshadowed by other pirates in the history of the Forsaken. Could he live with being a footnote? Or would he stand up and be counted when it mattered more than anything else? The time on the clock struck 06:00 he'd gotten no sleep, the alarm rang echoing against the bulkhead, it was time for the attack to begin.

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #38 on:** April 21, 2012, 10:35:03 AM »

Thitry-seven

"It is the actions, not words of a man that define him." - Admiral Alan "Alacameonous" Duinhir

UEF, Sector One,

Ocean was massive, even at a distance, the Captain could see remnants of the ship that was once part of the British Royal Navy before the world went to hell. He could see where Kixeye had added storage areas to the front and aft of the vessel where a shipyard was added to one side of the vessel and a docking area had been added to the other. These additions had made the ship nearly twice its previous size making its ancient engines unable to effectively move the vessel, and had resulted in Kixeye Corporation adding four Battle Barges two forward two aft to help move the vessel. Two Leviathans had been added along the sides of the shipyard and docking area adding armour and weapons to the middle of the fortress, the bulk of these vessels added to the size and width of the massive vessel. Finally along the vessel's huge flat topped hull there were additional missile, cannon and mortar turrets as well as flak emplacements. One side of Ocean was a large cargo carrier vessel half the size of Ocean but still massive, it carried hundreds of containers stacked up on the decks almost like bricks. The other vessel looked like a floating shipyard covered in cranes and gridders, everything one would need to build a ship at sea.

Their main target was as massive as the Captain had feared, and as heavily armed, a tough nut to crack. As the UEF approached from the upper deck of Ocean four attack helicopters raised into the air. Unlike the tilt-rotor aircraft previously seen these were traditional helicopters like those seen previously over Michaels Island a single rotor over a double cockpit, two stubby wings carrying missiles and a single large cannon under the cockpit.

"Task Force Omega, Alpha and Beta move to first stations. Task Force Gamma first targets in play." The Captain transmitted to the other formations. From the flanks of the Captain's force both Commodores Rick and Hell brought their forces forward engaging the Leviathans and Battle Barges along the flanks and at either ends of the Ocean's hull. Missiles and mortar fire engaged from both sides ships on both sides took hits as additional Leviathan, Battle Barge and Floating Fortresses moved to assist in the Ocean's defence. Ships commanded by Captains Buk and Alex War assigned to the two Task Forces fell out of formation or were completely destroyed by the Kixeye counter fire. Over them all missile fire from Alacamenous' Task Force Gamma filled the air cutting two of Kixeye's helicopters from the sky, the remaining two tried to keep as close to the waves as possible under Alacamenous' cover fire. The battle had just begun.

Sector 56, Command Fortress Electra

"We've had reports that the UEF have engaged Kixeye Corporation forces within Sector 1 possibly against Ocean itself. Our new high altitude recon aircraft are on their way." Admiral Joshua Holloway said entering the bridge, Duinhir almost smiled he hadn't been aware the special project aircraft were operational yet. "We've completed removal of all but one of the warheads on the missile, we can use them for other projects..." He said his voice trailing off as he saw Duinhir was staring at one of the monitors. "I assume Captan Rowen has refused to back down?"

"She has continued to remain against our plan to launch." Duinhir confirmed, Joshua shook his head remembering when they were all together in the Old Republic, thinking of Duinhir's plan for the future and what could happen. "She continues to hold position along with the other Forsaken Loyalists."

That could be a problem." Holloway said quietly "now that the missile is prepared, we can launch when ready." He said stepping in front of Duinhir "frighten her off." he urged.

"She's still my wife." Duinhir said quietly "I won't kill her unless I have to." It was a line he didn't want to cross "have our special squadron move into position." he ordered looking at Holloway, "I will try to reason with her again. Have launch control ready, as soon as we move they are to launch."

"If she doesn't move..." Holloway asked leaving the question asked

"I'll make her" he confirmed Holloway nodded and headed away from the Flag Admiral who reached up for the microphone it was still stange after so long on the Enterprise and his Draconian vessels to have a phone on a cord again. "Enterprise Actual to Captain Rowen."

"Rowan here"

"As a Flag officer of the Old Republican Guard, I order you to stand down."

"The Republic is gone Artan, stop living in the past, it fell most of its members dead and buried." She said it pained him to hear her speak in such a defeatest tone. "Our only chance is for Kixeye to be defeated by the UEF."

"And my plan guarantees it!" Artan screamed into the phone.

"At the cost of our son's life." Rowan reminded him.

"Did you know it was his Slayers that made finding the facility possible" Duinhir said "he knew all about the plan."

"Did he know about the part where you run away with Joshua?" Rowan taunted him, Duinhir had asked his son to join them but he'd refused. He coudn't convince him to abandon the UEF, he said it was his place to be and whatever Duinhir had to do would be done, Duinhir hated that this was the choice left to him but what needed to be done needed to be done.

"The Republic must continue!" Artan shouted finally losing patience with her "Captain Rowan, you and all Forsaken Loyalist forces get one chance, stand down or I open fire."

"We aren't going anywhere. Burn your last bridge." Rowan replied it was a defiant call that Duinhir understood if he fired she'd want nothing to do with him. Duinhir returned the phone to its holder.

"Sir, burst comm. signal from Rowan's flagship, unknown destination." The communication's officer warned

That broke it for Duinhir, one last betrayal from his wife. "Joshua, give the command weapons released, Helm all ships push forward." He ordered Joshua began to call our commands, behind and around Rowan's fleet four Dreadnoughts appeared from almost nowhere all four were equipped with a new weapon in Duinhir's arsenal high-speed rail-cannons the hyper-velocity slugs slammed into the rear of Rowan's formation as the Wolves and Fortresses of Duinhir's fleet pushed forward. To either side of the Loyalists Stalker and Slayer Submarines engaged the Loyalist forces. "I want any survivors recovered if possible." Duinhir said quietly as he watched Rowan's flagship torn open by a massive impact. The new weapon was developed to be housed on a base emplacement, only the Dreadnoughts from the Draconians captured by Joshua were capable of housing them, each weapon took up two conventional weapon turrets and they made it nearly impossible for the ship to move and fire at the same time but they were devastating weapons. Even with only four ships equipped with them Duinhir's forces would tear the Loyalists to pieces.

As Duinhir's forces pressed forward the Loyalists began to buckle and break, behind Duinhir's fleet the Peacemaker X Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launched from under the waves it's solid fuel booter pushing it out of the water on a ballistic tragectory towards Sector 1. The bridge if the Electra erupted into cheers and applause but the Admiral could not join them "Forgive me, my son." was all he could whisper watching the rear monitors.

UEF Fleet, Athens, Sector 1

Although he hated being in a reserve position Admiral Alacamenous understood the Captain's plan and could see wisdom in his Task Force's mission, so far they had swatted eight Kixeye aircraft from the sky and kept their enemies navy in position unable to flee. With Task Forces Alpha, Beta and the Legionaries helping there was no-way any of the Kixeye forces could escape.

Task Force Omega was pushing the attack now closing on the Sea Scorpion fleet they'd encountered in Sector 6 and the Ocean herself. The massive Behemoth was on fire in many places and couldn't move itself a sitting duck. Most of its defences had been damaged or disabled by the other Task Forces initial attacks. If the Sea Scorpion's could be stopped then Kixeye's Headquarters would fall, against the massed forces of the UEF they had no chance it was only time now. Even from his distant position Alacamenous could see that the Captain's plan had always been to safeguard as many as possible but still guarantee the end of Kixeye Corporation.

"Sir, burst communication from your mother." the Comm. officer called out passing it to Alacamenous' screens, he scanned the message quickly, which was brief, almost immediately he was on his feet.

"Helm, alter course fifteen degrees to starboard. Communications to all Task Force Gamma, cease fire. Reconfigure weapons to long range dispersal fire. Flak explosion, coordinates to follow." He said moving to the map table looking at Sector 56 then at Sector 1, He input some commands then send the coordinates to firing control. "Weapons coordinates sent, fire when ready. Communications distribute as needed." To his crew's credit no-one questioned his orders instead moving the massive Fortress to it's new position.

"How many barrages?" The crewmen asked still reconfiguring the weapons firing control.

"Until our magazines are dry, Communications copy to all." Alacamenous ordered hoping he'd been quick enough. He knew the plan, but his father didn't know how much they'd achomplished without Duinhir's final solution. Alacamenous wondered what it had cost his mother to send the message when she had, and how far his father had gone with his master plan. Had he seen the birth of the new tyrant of the waves or a saviour.

UEF Fleet, Task Force Omega, Sector 1

As Omega moved forward they moved as a pyramid of fire the Captain's augmented fleet of three Fortresses and four Leviathans leading the way, followed by four Dreadnoughts from Captain Nine-won-three and PBO, behind them Fortresses of Christopher Seaking and Mark Red and behind them dozens of Wolves, Battle Barges and even Marauders from nearly everyone of the 500 Sectors. The Captain had seen ships from all over the globe travel here to join them proving the UEF was not just one rebel sector, it was everyone raising up to say their oppressors could no longer continue down the same path. The Draconians were still powerful and numerous but the Forsaken could manage them now it was Kixeye's turn.

"Helm all ahead" he ordered the entire formation began to move. Around them Kixeye helicopters buzzed Task Force Omega "see if Gamma can give us more cover." He called out as the ships continued to move forward, the two Thud Leviathans were torn to pieces by the defence barrages of the remaining core Kixeye formation the ships following them pushed through past the wrecks the Captain focused on the flame painted vessesls that had avoided him since Sector 6.

"Sir Task Force Gamma is ceased it's barrage!" Someone shouted as the Fortress rocked under fire "they are targetting the sky!" The Captain looked at the screens which confirmed the warning, he was tempted to counter-order Alacamenous but he knew the man must have a reason.

"Alacamenous knows what he's doing" the Captain said as the Fortress took further hits from the Helicopters and turrets of Ocean "Helm, we need more speed, weapons target those ships as soon as we are in range." He ordered pointing at the flame painted vessels. Fire from both sides intensified ships fell out of formation mangled beyond recoignition, others burned white covered in flame. Alongside them several Kixeye vessels also drifted no power taking on water.

Kixeye Defence Fleet, Sea Scorpion Prime, Sector 1

The entire battle had flashed past, Todd thought if you blinked you would have missed it. Now it was coming too close to home, directly opposite his forces. The front formation was led by the same ship that had pushed him in Sector 6, and now hounded them here. Behind them other forces of the UEF were arrayed Kixeye would fall today however Todd did not plan on following them. As the formation of UEF vessels continued to close Todd watched as the missile ships began to fire into the skys filling the sky with fire.

"There is out gap!" He said triumphantly, our ships can outstrech those against us, we have a chance to live..." Todd whispered however looking at their faces he could see that they were not willing to run, there were civilians aboard Ocean families of the crew. "I didn't want to live forever" he quickly added regaining his composure. "Helm, all ahead full, we'll tear through them." he ordered the Sea Scorpion was in effect a more armoured, better armed Sea Wolves and they acted like that shooting forward. Behind them the remaining Kixeye Floating Fortress guard fleets followed guns blazing.

Missiles, cannons and mortars from both sides slammed their opposition, the four Leviathans escorting the three Fortresses at the front of the UEF formation were tossed asside cut to pieces by missile and cannon fire from Todd's ships, their destruction exposed the remaining ships to fire however had cost Todd's force three of their Sea Scorpions. More fire from the UEF massing against them told all the story Todd needed to know, he was doomed to fail. Even as he ordered his ship into a suicidal charge against the lead fortress he knew then end was close. Behind this force was another, and another, and another...

Captain's Fortress, UEF, Sector 1

"Commodore the last ship is charging us! They are trying to ram!" one of the watch officers shouted across the bridge the Captain looked, the last battered flame painted Kixeye ship was supported by six Fortresses.

"Have PBO and Nine-won-three engage the starboard opponents, Seaking and Red to engage the port. We will take the last ship" the Captain said his ship was battered weapons and armour destroyed by weapons fire but he wouldn't back down not now, not this close. Ocean's guns had all but fallen silent now, long range missile fire from the Legionaries Reserve force had silenced them.

"Incoming airborne target!! It's massive." Another officer shouted, most of the Kixeye Helicopters were destroyed, maybe they had left their last surprise until the end.

"Show me" the Captain ordered, external cameras were down all the captain could see was a heat signature moving rapidly towards the centre of Sector 1, it's altitude was all wrong and its speed too fast for anything Kixeye had developed. "What on earth...?"

Over Sector 1, ICBM S137PMX

Launched from Sector 56 the Peacemaker X ICBM had flown in an arced tragectory, its booster engines slowly breaking of as it reached its peak altitude and began its decent. The small computer brain controlling the weapon went about its task without a care. The builders of the weapon had been careful and methodical in their programing of the intelligence that controlled the missile and its payload. Although not a true Artificial Intelligence it could adapt to make sure it hit its target. For many years the missile had been left untouched, unvisited, until recently where it had been brought back to life, finally the missile would forfill its purpose. For some reason the humans had modified the missiles payload removing several of the warheads encased in its nose cone, fortunately they had left enough for the computer to complete its primary mission nuclear detonation. They had finally decided to launch the missile hours after arming the warhead only for the missile to find itself launched through water instead of the air it had expected. The Solid Fuel Boosters had taken longer to force the missile through the thick water than it would thin air but then it had soon been airborne destined for its target.

"TARGET CHANGED POSITION - NEW COORDINATES 432,671" the sensors detected, within a nano-second the computer had deducted the corrections.

"Fire thruster 1, 2 second burst" the computer ordered, the missile followed it's commands and effortlessly slipped through the air.

"TARGET REAQUIRED." Moments later however another sensor beeped "OBSTRUCTION IN PATH, ALTER COURSE OR RISK DAMAGE TO PAYLOAD, TARGET LOST. REAQUIRE, REAQUIRE." The computer analysed the obstruction hundreds of detonating warheads in the atmosphere, probably not enough to damage the missile but maybe enough to spoilt the direct hit. The computer quickly made a choice.

"Fire thruster 3, 3 seconds, reaquire target and compansate." The missile began to shift but something went wrong Thruster 3 refused to fire, damaged during the missile's ascent through the water during launch. The computer brain compansated ordering the missile to roll and use another thruster but it was too late the missile plowed through the exploding missiles. The Computer lost all connection to the missile, the tiny brain unable to control its decent had only one option. "Fire final stage."

"FIRING, IMPACT SIXTY SECONDS, FIFTY-NINE..." the countdown began, if the missile had been human it would have felt the massive G-forces being put on the missile by the firing of the last booster, instead the computer had nothing to do but wait.

The seconds ticked down slowly and finally impact. Water! The computer controlling the missile would have screamed if it had lungs and could understand, it had missed its target instead hitting water. As it plunged into the water the engines cut out, the missile could detonate now anytime instead it would follow its orders and wait thirty seconds after impact. The missile was designed to burrow deeply into the ground before detonating, it would have likely torn through its target and exploded in water anyway but now sinking into the water the computer only had one thing to do.

"Execute final sequence authorization: GOODNIGHT" the computer ordered it was a simple code for a brain controlling a weapon intended for so much destruction. Roughly sixty metres below the water, less than one hundred metres from its target, the 300-kiloton warhead exploded.

Epilogue

"We have been called many things friends, allies, family, enemies, nemisis, but in then end we're all just... Pirates" The Captain

15 Years later, Senior Classroom, Michaels Island, Sector 73

Everyone had heard this story a thousand times from a thousand mouths however this was the first time that it had come from someone who was so closely connected to the origin of Michaels Island's introduction to the world they lived in, so close to those who had made the decsisions that had shaped the early Draconian and the Kixeye Corporation conflicts. The classroom sat stunned, the teacher almost smiled his star pupil had pulled off a masterclass presentation, it was easily the highest mark of the day for presentation now he wondered how she would deal with the questions. Presenting a story was important being able to justify it was another matter.

"What happened to them?" Paul asked sitting near the front the ginger headed boy always ready for a quick comment or to bring someone down, this time asking an honest question. "I mean to the Duinhirs, Dr Rachel and the others... were they all killed."

"Some were." Steven said smiling "they died horrible deaths, burned alive by radiation and fire that would not go out." He said there were screams from other students as Steven began to become more graphic.

"Steven, be quiet, your presentation was yesterday. It is Jaylen's turn to answer questions." The teacher said looking back to the young woman standing at the front of the class "please continue."

"Thank you" she said graciously "as Steven said, some died. The explosion was massive beyond anything anyone had seen since the world war, the water had dampened the explosion but not by much. Instead it created somewhere for the pressure to build up. The explosion created a tidal wave the washed over all the remaining kixeye and UEF forces present. The water outright sank some ships smashing them to pieces others it crippled beyond repair, hundreds upon hundreds died, some just washed completely off their vessels. Ocean Kixeye's massive base ship was crippled by the explosion and wave half overturned by the blast the ship took on so much water that Kixeye abandoned her to the sea. Admiral Dredge head of Kixeye's defence was killed, on the UEF's side both Mark Red and Christopher Seaking, the Captain's who had supported the Captain's ship to the end, were killed, Captain Alex War and Sub-master Angelique both supporting Alacameonous's forces were also killed as the wave carried on snapping Angelique's subs like twigs while sinking Alex War's entire warfleet none of them to be seen again.

"The wave continued on swamping multiple Forsaken islands, Kixeye bases and Draconian Outposts as it went. The biggest wave known to mankind devastated the area, thousands paid for it not just our enemies." She said raising her arms to take them all in. "As for the Duinhirs, Admiral Artan Bacius Duinhir formed the New Republic based on O'ahu island. The Ancient Hawaian Islands had raised during a massive volcanic explosion during the great flood. He quickly imprisoned Rowen Duinhir as a traitor to the Republic and installed Joshua Holloway as his Warlord commander while Duinhir styles himself as President of the New Republic."

"And Alacamenous?" Another asked "he didn't die? He was my favorite character!"

"Alacamenous survived the tsunami however his warship fleets were crippled, he disappeared for a about three years. Some believe he joined his father's New Republic, however he was never seen, instead when he returned he reformed his mother's Forsaken Loyalists which continues to oppose many of the things his father's New Republic tries to put in place. Soon after Alacamenous' return his mother also reappeared in public giving up all claims to a pirate fleet she joined Alacamenous on his island and attempted to organise efforts to oppose the Republic." She said pausing briefly "ever since a cold war..." she glanced at the teacher making sure it was the right term when he nodded she continued "a cold war has exsited between the Loyalists and the Republic. Although they rarely come to blows they are opposed to each other's policies. We and other forces of Sector 73 have found ourselves in the middle of their conflict." Another student raised his hand a question already playing on his features "Yes Allan?" She asked ready for the next question already she'd been asked more questions than anyone else during their talk however the teacher had not stopped them.

"Dr Rachel McManus" he began Jaylen remained silent "she is your mother?" It was part a statement part a question Jaylen blushed slightly as the truth was revealed "you were the baby." He said this time a statement of fact, not one Jaylen could deny "and that would mean" he said continuing to his conclusion "that The Captain, and later Commodore, was your father." Jaylen could feel the tears forming at the corner of her eyes as she remained silent "but the Captain's ship and crew..." he said breaking off mid-sentence. For so many years Jaylen's true past had been obscured, her mother had ordered it following the Battle of Sector 1. Her daughter would be treated no differently than other children, and nor would others treat her wrongly because of the past. Before anyone else in the room could speak and before the tears ran from Jaylen's eyes there was a clapping from the rear of the room all eyes turned to see the newcomer.

"You did well." Senator Rachel McManus said "a more true telling of our history and of our sacrifice than I think anyone else has told" she said moving gracefully past the tables around the room "Mr McKenna may I be allowed to address the class?"

"Please Madam Senator" he said stepping back away, he and other teachers had known about this story, and about Jaylen's true past but few had spoken of it or questioned the commands from the Senator. "I hope you all listened well to this tale." She said quietly "our people paid dearly for Jaylen to be able to tell the story and for you to live the lives you do now." She said looking at them all, Michaels Island was rarely attacked by pirates or Draconians. Neither the Republic or the Loyalists bothered them for the most part despite their very active pirate fleet. "As the story tells the battle ended unresolved both the Forsaken and Kixeye existed beyond it, Kixeye a diminished force continues to exist in forms we see every day." She said refering to the slow but steady return of airpower to the skies and the Forsaken forces begining to act with Draconian Imperial Forces. "If you take nothing from this story other than this please remember, everythng in life costs something. We all pay the costs of who came before us, their mistakes their actions, make sure your children don't regret what you do with your life." She said as she finished Allan rose his hand again.

"Senator, your husband the Captain..." He began but couldn't finish

"My husband, his crew and his ship are still listed missing to the waves" she said quietly "when the remaining Legionaries arrived from Sector 6, it was a mop-up and Search and Rescue Operation. They found us" she said putting her arm around Jaylen "in a life raft, the marines my husband had assigned to us had made sure we escaped the ship before it disappeared. No sign or trace of the Fortress was ever found nor was any sign of Todd's vessel both lost to us forever, His disappearance made me choose to return to a more active role after the war had ended, when I returned I became a Senator and was determined that all of you would be prepared for our future." She said looking at them all meeting each's gaze "Senator Michaels chose to become commander of our ships at sea carrying on the Captain's work until his daughter Laura could take over. We have all agreed that past differences no longer matter, the Future is what is important to our people." She said finishing from one side Mr McKenna was the first to start clapping, however he was quickly joined by everyone else in the room from the door others could be seen clapping as well, the story had gained much attention.

"I think, that is it fior today." Mr McKenna said as the applause slowly died down "we'll see to the grades tomorrow. Class dismissed" there was a cheer the class as everyone piled out of the room as quickly as possible Senator McManus slowly guided her daughter from the room steering her from the school suite of the outpost down towards the Shipyard docks.

"Where are we going?" Jaylen asked curious, she was rarely allowed into the docks on her mother's explicit order now she was being taken there. Slowly entering Owen's office which hadn't changed in years she saw the old Tech Captain sitting in his mobility chair, he'd given up using his artificial leg years ago now content to using the chair, something he detested in his youth.

"Ah, our star storyteller." He said smiling as she entered with her mother out of the window Jaylen could see a massive vessel under construction. "So you finally finished the story was it worth it?"

"It felt nice." Jaylen admitted, for years she'd hidden her true history her father's true story. No longer was he another pirate name on the board of rememberance, finally he would have the acknowlegement he deserved at least in her mind.

The End

Thanks for reading

Dragon Cat · « **Reply #39 on:** April 21, 2012, 10:37:05 AM »

My break from CBT Universe into another, hope you've all enjoyed.

I would also credit much of this to Thomas Clifton and Alan Clifton, two friends who I met playing the game and have helped me with the game. And credit Kixeye with IMO the best game on Facebook (and the only one I've wanted to write about)

Now maybe I can get back to my AU

OBT Forum

News:

Author Topic: Battle Pirates - The Story (Read 34251 times)

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story

Dragon Cat

Re: Battle Pirates - The Story