The first day, p.24
The First Day, page 24
part #1 of Vanguard Series
“Taeya, we weren’t expecting you guys back for another ten hours,” Jennings stated in surprise.
“Yes, we were still in the Volf Sector when we saw the news report. We altered course to bring us here and got picked up by third en route,” she said, approaching the holo-display.
“Lucky the enemy didn’t pick you up first.”
“It was a risk, but as they say fortune favours the bold.” She smiled. “How have my troops performed in my absence?”
“As good as always. Malinea’s done a sterling job leading them.”
“Told you she was up to it.” She paused, eying the position of the snipers on holo-display. “I see they’re well positioned.”
“Indeed, how many have you got with?”
“I’ve got a mixed bag of seventeen with me.”
“Okay, well I want you to deploy them to the pit here,” he said, pointing at the promontory. “Arzael has a mixed of his Hak-rhen and marines holding it, but it is our most exposed section of front.”
“We expected another attack.”
“I don’t know, but let’s proceed on the assumption of yes for now.”
“Well, I best get into position then,” he replied.
In the hour since the arrival of the reinforcements, the situation changed little as the Alliance forces further entrenched themselves on and around Vanjellise. The enemy, having consolidated around the fifth planet, were still engaging the AGR battle line, albeit at their maximum range. While they were doing this six of the alliance destroyers had begun laying a minefield that would block the approaches to the planet. The enemy would either have to go through them or be funnelled into the designated kill zones. DeLancy was stood over the ops table discussing strategy with the Commodore via a holo-relay.
“We need to push them completely out of the system, we cannot allow them to gain a foothold.”
“Agreed, they’ve anchored their left flank around this planet.” He pointed “The right flank, however, is exposed and could be turned,” DeLancy concluded.
“Yes, if we can envelope that flank, they’ll be forced to redeploy, once we open their formation our fighter groups can…”
“Sir, new contact entering the system,” Hixx interrupted. “It’s a runner, she’s broadcasting a general message.”
“Onscreen,” DeLancy ordered.
Chapter 16
DeLancy stared at the view screen. It was a face he knew well, Rear-Admiral Hyngara, second in command of third fleet, but to DeLancy he was the captain of the Symerov, the first ship he’d ever served upon, and a good friend.
“Third fleet has engaged the enemy forces in the Devodian system, however, the battle does not go well,” he began. “We are outnumbered by at least ten thousand to one if not more.” He was interrupted by an explosion. “We’re attempting to withdraw and regroup at the Aururan Nebulae, all Alliance forces at Vanjellise are ordered to do likewise Good luck, Hyngara. Out.”
“This does not bode well,” the Commodore stated.
“Agreed, sir. Admiral Hyngara is a superb commander. If they’re getting bested, then the situation must be dire.”
“Contact the ground forces. Begin withdrawing from the planet and Lunar outpost.”
“Understood, sir.”
“We’ll maintain a line along here, between the enemy and the planet, any move they make we’ll be able to intercept, out,” the Commodore said, and his hologram vanished.
“Hixx, start prepping for withdrawal.” Delancy paused. “Dillon, get me General Rykala.”
“Aye, sir.”
In Bunker nine Jennings was back at his Ops table. Phil Steadman was with him.
“Colonel, we think we might have a way to restore the long-range communications”
“Go on.”
“Well Colonel, we think that the reason we got a signal out is because we didn't use the subspace network.” He paused. “Sometimes we have to send reports via the old Lempk system.”
“So, we could use it to contact Command?” Jennings asked.
“Kind of,” Martinez answered. “The Lempk system isn't a two-way comm, more like a messaging service with a slight delay.”
“How slight?”
“Twenty minutes for it to filter through, and the same for any return message.”
“We could at least restore partial comms then?”
“Yes, but the only drawback is the Lempk system is old and few remember it let alone use it.”
“Well, someone's obviously paying attention to it or we wouldn't have gotten reinforcements, maybe your editor.” Jennings smiled. “Dillon, can it be done?”
“Possible, sir. It would...” he was interrupted by a call on the comm. “Sir, General Rykala for you.”
“Put him through.”
“Well Colonel, it appears we’ve been given our marching orders.”
“Sir?” Jennings asked somewhat puzzled.
“I’ve just been in contact with DeLancy. It appears Third Fleet’s battle does not go well, and they are being forced to withdraw.” He paused. “With that in mind, we cannot hold this system.”
“Understood, what are our orders?”
“We’re to regroup with Third fleet at the Aururan Nebulae. From there we can draw our plans accordingly.” He paused “We’ll begin loading the heavy equipment first. For now our infantry forces will need to hold the line”
“The defences should be able to hold the line without the heavy support. I’d recommend having one or two rain makers on standby though as we may need their fire support.”
“That won’t be necessary, Vanguard and Narulh will be in close orbit to provide our support fire.”
“I doubt our friends will allow us to leave unhindered. If they attack, and I’m sure they will, it will be nigh impossible to get the rear-guard out.”
“Well Colonel, I’m open to suggestions. Your battalion’s closest to the space port, so the rear-guard will be your responsibility I’m afraid.”
“Of course, it is.” He smiled. “They’ll expect us to head for the space port, but if we set up emergency beam out sites here, and here,” he suggested and pointed towards the locations on the hologram. “We’ll get the majority out with those, and have transports on standby to extract the rest.”
“Agreed, I’ll contact you again when we begin pulling the infantry out.”
“Copy that, sir. Out.” Jennings turned to McKay. “Sandy, I have a mission for you.”
“Yes, sir,” he replied, stepping forward.
“I need you to get a team to here,” he said, pointing to the northern range. “Naules team is there, they’ll need help getting their intel out.” He paused. “Make sure to wreck the subspace antennae too.”
“Understood, sir.”
“Once you’re done, extract down to the EBOS,” he added.
“Consider it done, sir.” McKay saluted and left.
“Dillon, contact Major Tyria and Lieutenant Farax. Have them pull their troops in from bunkers seven and eight. We’ll need everyone here if we’re getting out in one piece.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Radmar!” Jennings called.
“Aye, sir,” he replied.
“I need you to redeploy the remaining AWP’s and PADs to cover the top of bunker nine.” He pointed to the display. “I don’t want these fuckers swarming over behind us.”
“Understood, sir. We’ll deploy the AWP’s along here, here and here, with the PADs holding the final defence line here.” He gestured. “That would be the best deployment.”
“Agreed.” Jennings nodded. “How long to evac our armour?”
“We’ve only got about a dozen vehicles that are worth evaccing, the rest are wrecked.” He paused. “It shouldn’t take more than ten minutes.”
“Begin withdrawing now then.”
“Roger that, sir,” Radmar replied.
In the pit Taeya and Arzael looked out from the northern face towards the jungle, both aware of the eerie silence that had descended across the battlefield. Taeya shouldered her sniper rifle and looked out with its scope. Despite cycling through its visual spectrums, she could see little through the burning jungle wreathed in smoke. She lowered her rifle and placed her hand on the ground. The tendrils on her arms now stretched out, burrowing into the loose soil. She stayed like this for a moment, feeling the vibrations of the ground, one of the psychic abilities Trykeelans possessed.
“They’re on the move,” Taeya said.
“Where?” Arzael questioned.
“Everywhere,” she replied.
“Guess they know we’re planning on checking out.”
“There’s a lot of them,” Taeya said, opening her eyes. “I don’t think we can hold them for long.”
“Then it will be a glorious death.” He smiled in reply. “Gaushoame, how’s the leaving present coming?”
“Another minute and we’re golden.”
“Taeya, take Czotak and Sulye back up the gulley track, find a position to cover the withdrawal.”
“Copy,” she replied.
Jones and his troops had returned to the front taking the position that was closest to the jungle and bunker nine. This would be the last position to fall back.
“Captain, we’ve got movement along the perimeter,” Sergeant Kinaro said.
“Yeah, I see them, looks like they’re gearing up for a big push,” he replied. As he scanned the tree line it was obvious that they were going to swarm against the whole front again. “Colonel, this is Jones, copy. Over.”
“Go ahead,” he replied.
“Sir, you were right. Our friends are massing for a push, recommend you light up the tree line now, sir. Might slow ‘em down.”
“Understood, out,” Jennings replied. Jones watched as the bunker’s guns began turning onto their targets. “Alright, listen up. Those bastards are gonna come straight out when the bombardment starts. Make every shot count!” he shouted, getting into position and taking aim. Seconds later the guns behind began firing, unleashing their deadly fire into the trees. A second after the first shots tore through the trees the enemy swarmed out towards the mountain. The whole defence line now lit up as every gun along the line desperately tried to halt the tide of enemies that threatened to engulf them. Overhead a squadron of Venoms and Phoenixes led by Tori barrelled down in a strafing run against the onslaught, carving short lived gaps in the relentless mass. The remaining gunship drones, having taken up position to cover bunker nine, added their firepower against the enemy. As the enemy wave reached the ridge line, they were greeted by the weapons fire from Vanguard and Narulh. The devastating salvos vaporised whole groups of the enemy in a flash, but still they only slowed them down slightly.
“It’s gonna be balls to the wall getting outta here, boss!” Lexe declared.
“That’s what she said,” Simpson laughed while he quickly reloaded his rifle.
“Leave his sister out of this,” Emera added as three Graviton masses streaked overhead, crashing into the enemy.
“You can all fuckin suck it,” Lexe responded. Suddenly the jokes were cut short as everyone felt a strange pulling sensation to their left, then there was a sudden blinding flash and a jolt, followed by a great shadow that blocked out the sun, and the sensation disappeared.
On the bridge DeLancy was deep in thought as he viewed the local sector map. The Aurura battle station was a short jump from Vanjellise. DeLancy suspected the enemy would pursue them, which would not give them long to consolidate before the enemy were on them again. That said, the Aurura battle-station like all Alliance military stations was a formidable asset, and they would be linking up with Third Fleet.
“Sir, I’m detecting massive gravitational waves emanating at co-ordinates eight two four by three nine mark five,” Friestar stated. “About one AU from Vanjellise.”
“On screen,” DeLancy ordered. The viewscreen focussed on the anomaly, a distortion wave that pulsed steadily, growing faster each time. “Any idea what’s causing it?” he asked as the ship began to vibrate slightly.
“Scanning,” Commander Brown answered.,
“Sir, the gravitational forces are drawing us out of orbit,” Baxter announced.
“Increase power to compen..” DeLancy was cut off by a sudden blinding flash of light that nearly overwhelmed the polarised camera lens. It quickly subsided, and the entire bridge crew stared at the monitor.
Ahead of Vanguard there now sat a new planet, roughly the same size as Vanjellise, DeLancy looked on dumbfounded. A huge structure encompassed the planet around its equator, stretching up and into space. The tops of these structures were all joined and formed into a great disc. There was a circular gap in this structure, however, that was surrounded by a massive ring.
“Analysis?” DeLancy ordered.
“It’s a planet, sir” Vanguard answered.
“A planet, how’s that possible?” he quizzed.
“I.. I don’t know, sir,” she replied. “Sir, it’s moving towards Vanjellise.”
“Sir, sensors are picking up new enemy contacts entering the system.”
“How many?” he asked, but there was no response. He turned and looked at Friestar’s shocked face. “Lieutenant, how many?”
“Over a hundred thousand,” his shaken voice replied.
“Signal from flag, sir.”
“Onscreen.”
“DeLancy, we need to get those troops out now. We’ll try and hold them off as long as we can.”
“Understood. Good luck, sir.”
“You too.” the Commodore smiled. “Out.”
Blackwatch led her cruisers and battleships in a line to cut across the enemy’s path. Once all ships were in range, they opened fire. Hundreds of missiles and plasma volleys raced towards the enemy planet. They watched in dismay as not even the massive guns of Blackwatch had any real impact upon the shield. Both enemy fleets coming from different directions began to swarm towards the alliance ships, launching tens of thousands of fighters as they did. Once the fighters were in range, the alliance destroyers targeted them. Hundreds erupted into short lived fireballs. The commodore ordered the cruisers and destroyers to concentrate upon the enemy ships, whilst he took Blackwatch alongside Hood and Formidable (the two battleships) to continue to engage the ‘World-Ship’ as he dubbed it. The World-Ship was still slowly and inexorably moving towards Vanjellise. Despite the continued salvos from the three ships it continued ploughing straight into one of the minefields, and hundreds of mines detonated harmlessly against the powerful shield. It slowed and stopped some fifty thousand miles from Vanjellise. It turned towards Vanjellise and discharged a beam of continuous energy straight at the planet. It lasted for about twenty seconds and then stopped.
“What was that?” DeLancy asked
“I’m not sure, but it looks like some kind of transport beam, sir. The energy levels and signature are similar to transporter signals.” Hixxs paused. “If it was, then given the intensity of the signal, they must’ve beamed down over a million patterns.”
“Helm, take us out of orbit move us to lunar overwatch. Make sure we still have clear lines of fire on our ground targets and that fleet,” DeLancy ordered. “Commander Tarim, co-ordinate the barrage with Narulh, our forces are going to need it.”
“Understood,” he replied.
In Bunker Nine Jennings was watching the ops table. The indistinguishable dots were a red mass slowly inching its way towards the solitary green dot of his position. He glanced at the clock. Thirteen more minutes they needed to hold for, then it would be their turn to make a desperate run for the ships. Most of his battalion had pulled back to Bunker Nine now, although he had allowed Jones with sixty of the best troops to man the forward position, and Arzael’s forces were still in the pit. He watched their positions grow ever more precarious as the enemy was closing in and beginning to encircle Bunker Nine. The other bunkers were now empty and were under the control of a special AI program lovingly dubbed by the marines as ‘fuknut’. Its primary function was to be activated in situations like this to kill and hold off as many enemy combatants as possible, something the AI had become highly adept at. It’s one main drawback was the fact the program had developed into something of a suicidal psychopath. As he watched the enemy advancing along the coastal road, there was a tremendous explosion that rocked the mountain as fuknut had overloaded the fusion generators inside Bunker One. The resultant explosion not only obliterated the bunker, but also caused a large portion of the mountain side to collapse, blocking the road under tons of rock and earth.
“Colonel, Captain Jones on the comm.”
“Go ahead, Jones,” Jennings said.
“Colonel, we can’t hold here much longer!” he replied, shouting over the noise of weapons and explosions.
“Understood,” he replied, knowing Jones would only call for withdrawal if the situation really was that bad. “Fall back on the bunker at your discretion.”
“Copy, that out,” he replied. “Gorlic!” Jones called.
“Yes, sir,” the Sergeant replied.
“Time to go. I want you to lead us back, I’ll bring up the rear with Lexe and Simpson.”
“Understood, sir,” he replied. Simpson and Lexe both looked at each other before Lexe spoke.
“Captain, how come its always us two that get the good jobs?” he asked.
“What’s the matter boys, don’t you like my company?” He grinned in response.
