NationStates Jolt Archive

It was their target. It was there time. Centuries of waiting, centuries of boredom, centuries of stagnation lead up to this. Now was the time of war, now was the time of blood, now was the time for the plague to be spread, now was the reign of Father Nurgle.

But first, subtlety called. They would not just run blindly into combat, into the unknown, and get slaughtered like a lamb to a hungry mob. No, no, time for the eye to do the work, before the arm can thrust.

Several scouting ships had been sent out, weeks ago to scout the New Dornalian space. They were sent out weeks ago, so that they could sneak up to the borders on real-space engines, as blatantly jumping into the territories would arouse too much attention.

But there were two systems of notice. The one that held New Leningrad, the military staging post of the Dornalians, and the Andromeda colony. These two would be the sparking point for the entire conflict.

Despite being the ignition point, only one ship was sent into each of the systems, to better their chances of stealth. The ship that approached New Leningrad, approached with all do patience. They took their sweet time. But instead of going straight at the system, they went up. They would see if the space above the planets were as well defended as the "sides".

As for the Andromeda scout, it was a much more lax operation. They counted numerous ships, but nothing too major, nothing the main assault force couldn't handle. Even then, they treaded cautiously, making sure the scan every nook and cranny, so the assault would be, flawless.

New Leningrad-

The formidable MacIntyre Line would have daunted even the most deadly adversary. The scout probably, just slightly, would have found that at four light years deep, it would have daunted even the bravest individuals, with its minefield, both tall and wide, numerous defense platforms with Gauss Guns and weaponry of numerous sorts, including FTLi, scanning all sides for targets, and only a few safe lanes, narrow and normally made only known to those who asked-or those who were friends.

And, as the scout would have discovered, the planets would have been covered from the top too, with ships sitting pretty in the nearby Paris Commmune Shipyard and local planetary defenses covering each world with shields and defensive sattelites.

Andromeda-

Here, on the other hand, was something far different. The paltry force, some 50-60 ships, mostly Mao Zedongs and Prochkhorovkas on patrol, were moving along in small detachments. In New Dornalia's state of High Alert, ongoing since God-knew-when, it paid to be vigilant.

However, one of the detachments, as it moved in, accidentally stumbled on something. A Mao Zedong, the Vengance had inadvertedly detected some kind of object as it passed by a Space Mambo. It probably was nothing, the crew thought. But if it was nothing, then why did two objects register? The Vengance alerted its comrades something was up, and the detachment moved to inspect things...

"Captain, Dorny ship approaching!"

"Approaching? From where?"

"From the Galactic East. I don't think it knows what we are yet, 'cause it hasn't opened fire, but if we sit here, they will know soon."

"Damn, with cloak engaged, we can't jump or move very fast." The captain sat down in his torn, and stinking chair. He couldn't remember the last time it was replaced.

"Sir, they're getting too close for comfort!"

"Nurgle Damn them! Disengage cloak, make a break for it! Mask a communications in our powering down cloak signature. Send the fleet the call, that they know we are here."

Just then, the ship uncloaked, and at the same time, sent a long range telegram into space. It's engines thrusted, the weak and old ship groaning under the stress of such a fast and hard acceleration. The small Swarm Class carrier, converted into a scout, sped its way towards open space, away from the planet's gravity well, to attempt to jump. Unfortunately, the old engines buckled, and died. The ship drifted in 'the water'.

"Sir...."

"I know, leftenent." The captian sighed.

"Captain, Dorny ship approaching!"

"Approaching? From where?"

"From the Galactic East. I don't think it knows what we are yet, 'cause it hasn't opened fire, but if we sit here, they will know soon."

"Damn, with cloak engaged, we can't jump or move very fast." The captain sat down in his torn, and stinking chair. He couldn't remember the last time it was replaced.

"Sir, they're getting too close for comfort!"

"Nurgle Damn them! Disengage cloak, make a break for it! Mask a communications in our powering down cloak signature. Send the fleet the call, that they know we are here."

Just then, the ship uncloaked, and at the same time, sent a long range telegram into space. It's engines thrusted, the weak and old ship groaning under the stress of such a fast and hard acceleration. The small Swarm Class carrier, converted into a scout, sped its way towards open space, away from the planet's gravity well, to attempt to jump. Unfortunately, the old engines buckled, and died. The ship drifted in 'the water'.

"Sir...."

"I know, leftenent." The captian sighed.

The Vengance pulled alongside the ship, and a message was sent out.

"Unknown vessel, you have entered New Dornalian space. Prepare to be boarded."

At this point, a Haywood Dropship sallied forth from the Vengance, carrying a hundred Marines, a number of Border Guardsmen, and some People's Acolytes in case there were Force-sensitives onboard. They then attached themselves to the side, and a hole was blasted through, after a secure airlock was attached. Then, the Marines entered the ship, and began searching it, saying to any bystanders, "Get down on the ground! No sudden moves!"

The Border Patrolmen moved towards the Bridge, and drew their weapons, keeping them in the low stance, so as not to threaten. They then approached the entrance to the bridge, and a man screamed, "This is the New Dornalian Border Patrol, Agent Seitz speaking. Open up!"

"What in Nurgle's name language are they speaking?"

"I don't know, captain, but they sound angry."

The beats on the main door continued. All throughout the ship, ragged bunches of men, most of them doing menial tasks and maintenance, were gathered together. There was a total of 400 crew total, 90 percent of them dimwitted slaves, the other 10 percent, highly dressed and trained officers.

"Leftenant, open the door, everyone remain at your seats, don't move. I haven't heard gunfire, I don't think they're just going to slaughter us."

And so the door was opened, and everyone remained at their seats. The captain stood some 20 feet from the foor, his hands raised to his chest, in a gesture of surrender.

The dark, decaying room was silent, except for the groans and whines of the metal on the ship.

Agent Seitz said, "Good. Now, follow me and my fellow Border Patrolmen as we escort you to our vessel."

One of the BP Agents said, "Boss, I've got the feeling they don't speak English."

Seitz then said, "Well shoot. Anybody here actually speak their language?"

The BP Agent said, "Well, unless you want Acolytes, guess not."

Seitz then said, "Fine."

He then waved to the officers, and motioned for them to follow him and his men. Seitz, meanwhile, got a status report that simply stated, "Sir, we've rounded up most of them. Only a few of them are officers, the rest we can't get to, mainly becuase they're not too bright, probably slaves."

Seitz then said, "Marshal them aboard the ship, we'll follow. Bring up an Acolyte Interpreter."

The Marines then contacted the men aboard Vengance, who transported the lot of the Azahans to the vessel's cargo bay, where more soldiers were waiting. Meanwhile, Seitz said to the Captain, "Follow us," motioning for them to follow as soon as a plucky People's Acolytes man arrived.

Captain Goud followed the marine throught he corridors of the foreign ship. The ship, to the captain, didn't seem too different from the more modern Azahan ships, infact very similar, in it's basic construction, though the designs may vary greatly. He almost felt at home, if he wasn't being escorted by armed personnel.

He strode the halls, keeping chest pushed out, and his chin held high. Even though his ship was a hunk of junk, his uniform showed his pride, and honor quite well, the drab tan color of his uniform, being offset by his flags and medals.

So far he had no clue what was being said. To him, it sounded like a more complex version of the slave language, but much more refined, and easy to listen to.

Captain Goud followed the marine throught he corridors of the foreign ship. The ship, to the captain, didn't seem too different from the more modern Azahan ships, infact very similar, in it's basic construction, though the designs may vary greatly. He almost felt at home, if he wasn't being escorted by armed personnel.

He strode the halls, keeping chest pushed out, and his chin held high. Even though his ship was a hunk of junk, his uniform showed his pride, and honor quite well, the drab tan color of his uniform, being offset by his flags and medals.

So far he had no clue what was being said. To him, it sounded like a more complex version of the slave language, but much more refined, and easy to listen to.

The Vengance moved to use its tractor beam to tow away the Azahan vessel back to Andromeda Prime at the same time Captain Goud was led to the brig. After a few quik mug shots, and fingerprinting/retinal scanning, he was given a gentle shove into a cell, where Agent Seitz followed, saying, "Listen, Captain. You're a prisoner now, so we're gonna hold you here until we can make you talk...."

--------------

Andromeda Prime was informed of the event; it seemed a foreign vessel had been snooping in New Dornalian territory, under cloak. It took them a week to find it, but it was advised to bring translators and those who knew something about these guys. Pictures of the ship and of the Captain were sent to the planet, and HQ there had Internal Security and the military review things...this was their territory.

A quick scan and the report was sent back-the Captain and his ship were Azahan. A translator was warped aboard the Vengance, and she entered the cell soon after, introducing herself to Agent Seitz and then speaking to the Captain in Azahan Latin, saying, "Good day, sir. I am Regina Akersson, of the New Dornalian Internal Security Bureau. I would like to ask you some questions."

In deep space, the gargantuan flotilla waited, in silence. Literally, thousands of ships lay in wait. To be more aproximate, there were about 3,000 ships, 99% of them being the outdated, but still deadly, Swarm Class escort carrier. Accompanying them was one Azaha Guardian class commandship and dreadnaught. Several super carriers, many battlecruisers, and atleast a hundred destroyers. It was indeed the most impressive fleet ever assembled by the current Azahan regime, but it was not the only fleet. The others, also lay in wait, awaiting their mission directives.

At the helm of the slender, 4.5 KM long commandship, Grand Admiral Song stood, looking out across the ship's massive prow, contemplating to himself. His pure white unfirom, and ornate combination cap potrayed him as the elite of the elite, in manner and experiance. Truth was, he was gruff, impatient, but brilliant.

"Admiral, recieving a message from scout Andromeda Four. Patching the encrypted text to the viewscreen."

Suddenly, the giant window dissapeared, as a massive hologram appeared right before the eyes of Song, his sunken eyes, and thick, brauny face taking in the new sight. It was indeed a message, typed out.

Scout Andromeda Four. Have been detected, mission is breached. Recommend immediate initiation of mission. Repeat, have been dectected, mission is breached.

"Sir, the message was delayed a few hours, because of the massive distance, and the low frequency of the transmission. Orders?"

The hologram dissapeared, and the blackness of space returning into view. Slowly, he turned around, and faced the massive bridge crew, atleast 30 people on the bridge alone.

"It is time to embark on our great crusade, gentlemen. Commander, beat to quarters, I want everyone at our battlestations. Signal the fleet to slave together, and lock onto the Uraj. We will be entering the warp in 3 minutes."

The bridge started to bustle with activity. Com officers and tactical officers went to their duties, preparing the ship, and the fleet. Off the bow of the Uraj, a massive rip in what space time seemed to be, was opened. It slowly got bigger, and bigger, soon encompassing the entire fleet, the formation several thousand kilometers in diameter.

"ETA to the border of the andromeda system, one hour, and 25 minutes. Engaging the warp in 3, 2, 1-"

And like that, the fleet snapped out of existance in a brilliant white flash.
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Goud stood up, and nodded at the Acolyte. He then sat back down, and seemed to relax.

"Ask away, miss."

He readjusted his seating, and gave a slight smirk to the Acolyte.

"I can't promise you'll get answers though."

Akersson began asking Capt. Goud, "Captain Goud, what were you doing here in our sovereign territory? Under cloak? Such behavior is unbecoming; it speaks to us that you are hiding something, plotting something. Talk now, and we may not have to do much to you."

---------------

The report of a potential spy ship, captured in Andromeda, was too much to ignore. Normally, stray ships were probably not much to deal with, a simple boarding and questioning, then a shooing away by armed patrols did the trick.

But the very fact it was cloaked and it was crewed by men in military outfits (well, at least for the officers) didn't leave much room for doubt for these somewhat bored/paranoid-by-constant-High-Alert yet rational men; unless they were fishing for Space Mambos out there, then they were surely spies. Andromeda Prime's command quietly issued orders for its patrols to be more alert for any sudden interventions, and it sent a coded missive to the Joint Revolutionary Command and Control Center on Earth, reporting the incident as well.

JRCCC simply told them to be on guard; if things were that bad, then they'd send reinforcements.

Song sat in his ready room, going over certain aspects of the mission, and informaiton on the Dornalians.

The ship had been in the warp for 45 minutes, and already, the Swarm class buckets of bolts were dissapearing every ten minutes. Song was glad he wasn't on one of those hellholes right now.

He tapped the com channel to the outer bridge, and spoke. "Hold position here, inside the warp. I forgot that we had another part of this plan. The New Leningrad strike team will need to strike frst."

The com crackled back. "You forgot sir?"

"Indeed. They will make contact soon. We shall hold here in the warp for 20 minutes, then move. We should arrive in Andromeda exactly 10 minutes after the assault on Leningrad starts."

"Aye aye sir, holding position."

---------------------------------------------------------------

"We were fishing, for those fish things. We heard they catch a mighty high price. Thought we could sell them back to you. Looks like you caught us."

He smirked slyly.

Song sat in his ready room, going over certain aspects of the mission, and informaiton on the Dornalians.

The ship had been in the warp for 45 minutes, and already, the Swarm class buckets of bolts were dissapearing every ten minutes. Song was glad he wasn't on one of those hellholes right now.

He tapped the com channel to the outer bridge, and spoke. "Hold position here, inside the warp. I forgot that we had another part of this plan. The New Leningrad strike team will need to strike frst."

The com crackled back. "You forgot sir?"

"Indeed. They will make contact soon. We shall hold here in the warp for 20 minutes, then move. We should arrive in Andromeda exactly 10 minutes after the assault on Leningrad starts."

"Aye aye sir, holding position."

---------------------------------------------------------------

"We were fishing, for those fish things. We heard they catch a mighty high price. Thought we could sell them back to you. Looks like you caught us."

He smirked slyly.

Regina laughed, and said, "Dear Captain, that is a damned lie, and you know it. Nobody fishes the Space Mambo without a license! So unless you have documentation, you must have been here for something else.

And why fish cloaked? None of our men do it, and they catch just fine. And a man from the Fisheries Commission would have noted your catch, all fishers of Space Mambo are required to turn their wares in after a successful run."

---------

The High Alert state New Dornalia was in long before the incursion ensured constant, if somewhat monotonous and tiring vigilance. JRCCC, as a result, was abuzz with activity. Should they search for more spies or incursion elements?

Jack Cortes, Commissar of National Defense, sent down his reply to the JRCCC men, who were worried. He told them to maintain watch as they had done before the incursion, but issued a copy of the Andromeda note and JRCCC's response to all regional commands, including that of New Leningrad, quietly, to prevent a panic, and inform them of a potential break-in.

"Looks like you caught us fishing illegally, with illegal fishing equipment.. hence the cloak. Could just fine us, and send us on our merry way?"

His eyes and facial features showed amusement, his slightly yellowing teeth making an appearance every now and then in a smile.
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With a snap, and a flash, the giant fleet exitted the warp, a million kilometers from the first line of defense of the New Leningrad's system.

There were literally thousands of ships in this fleet as well. Again, most were of the Swarm class (http://wiki.esusalliance.co.uk/index.php?title=Swarm_class) type escort carrier, nearly 3,500 of them. Most of them with full fighter compliments.

Then there was the Neo-type ships. The biggest was the Azaha Guardian class (http://wiki.esusalliance.co.uk/index.php?title=Nurgle%E2%80%99s_Will_class) Command ship, called the Nurgle's Will. Along with it, was four Crossbow class (http://wiki.esusalliance.co.uk/index.php?title=Crossbow_class) super carriers, 15 Foe Hammer (http://wiki.esusalliance.co.uk/index.php?title=Foe_Hammer_class) battlecruisers, and 40 Dirge class (http://wiki.esusalliance.co.uk/index.php?title=Dirge_class) destroyers.

They were all formed up, and ready, with the Swarm classes up front, and the bigger ships near the back. All at once, fleet moved forward, slowly, deliberately. And all at once, the first row in the giant wall of Swarm carriers released their first salvo of small torpedos at the first line of defense.

It had begun.

The torpedoes hit many of the stations, tearing a good number of them like tissue paper and signaling to the men in the Second Line of Defense that something was wrong. Warnings were sent to the HQ in the Fourth Line of defense, where Admiral Barishnikov was enjoying his morning coffee on the bridge.

"Admiral!"

The Admiral stood up, ramrod straight, and said turning to the man who had disturbed him, "What is it!?"

The man said, "First line reports damage all over. We're detecting a huge fleet sir. A big one."

Barishnikov then said, "Onscreen."

The platform's main screen was on, and it revealed an ugly sight. Ships as far as the eye could see. Ships that filled the screen.

So, it didn't take much for Barishnikov to say, "Alert New Leningrad Command. Mobilize the fleet. Get Second Line to open fire on the enemy vessels. Arm the mines on Third and Fourth level. And where's my FTLi!"

One of the crew said, "Sir, FTLi is down for mantenance."

Barishnikov then said, "Shit!"

----------

The Second Line was a bit more powerful, it had some mines, and some defenses, though not much. The men aboard these platforms immediately fired their Demolisher Guns and conventional and ion torpedoes onto the enemy Swarm vessels, and began firing their Gauss Guns to keep away any more torpedoes.

Meanwhile, the ships at the Paris Commune Shipyard, awoke, and amonng them was the fearsome Battlestar Potemkin. Some 200 vessels in all, a hundred of them heavy vessels, and the rest members of the Lin Biao II and Deng Xiaoping class of light ships, mobilized and prepared for battle, their crews quicky called back from leave and their weapons and defenses charged.

The Azahan line was riddled with explosions. It didn't take very much to destroy a Swarm Class carrier. Even small arms fire could pierce its thin skin.

"Rear Admiral, their second line is opening fire with longrange weapons."

The Nurgle's Will sat in the back, with the Rear Admiral at the bridge, on looking the little specs of light, which were his own fleet's explosions.

"Spearhead them. Drive the Swarms in as far as they will go. Make the enemy focus fire on them. But the cruisers to open up on the weapons platforms, destroyers will escort them in. I want the Crossbows to move up, and start trying to jam their channels. We have no idea what wave length they are using, but tell them to do what they can."

"Aye aye sir, on it."

And with that, the first wave of Swarm carriers started to form themselves into a cylinder. As they did, they started to push forwards, 750 ships moving towards the second line of defense, every so often they fired torpedos, but because of the formation, only the front ships could to this, and were often destroyed before they could lock onto targets.

As the Swarms moved in, the heavier battlecruisers moved in as well, flanking the swarms, and training their heavy battle cannons at the defense platforms from a medium distance.

When they did this, the super carriers started to move off to the sides of the battle. They started to broadcast all sorts of jammign frequencies, in an attempt to disurpt enemy communications.
-----------------------------------------------

The Andromeda strike fleet was en route once again. And as planned, they were 10 minutes from the system's edge.

"Sir, Leningrad fleet is taking damage, but driving in. We will arrive at the Andromeda system in 7 minutes."

The Grand Admiral continued to look out upon the raging, twisting Warp.

The Azahan line was riddled with explosions. It didn't take very much to destroy a Swarm Class carrier. Even small arms fire could pierce its thin skin.

"Rear Admiral, their second line is opening fire with longrange weapons."

The Nurgle's Will sat in the back, with the Rear Admiral at the bridge, on looking the little specs of light, which were his own fleet's explosions.

"Spearhead them. Drive the Swarms in as far as they will go. Make the enemy focus fire on them. But the cruisers to open up on the weapons platforms, destroyers will escort them in. I want the Crossbows to move up, and start trying to jam their channels. We have no idea what wave length they are using, but tell them to do what they can."

"Aye aye sir, on it."

And with that, the first wave of Swarm carriers started to form themselves into a cylinder. As they did, they started to push forwards, 750 ships moving towards the second line of defense, every so often they fired torpedos, but because of the formation, only the front ships could to this, and were often destroyed before they could lock onto targets.

As the Swarms moved in, the heavier battlecruisers moved in as well, flanking the swarms, and training their heavy battle cannons at the defense platforms from a medium distance.

When they did this, the super carriers started to move off to the sides of the battle. They started to broadcast all sorts of jammign frequencies, in an attempt to disurpt enemy communications.



Barishnikov's men began detecting attempts to jam their systems, and they immediately began switching frequencies, until they found the Force-based messaging system, switching to that to broadcast their messages.

The platforms had their shields up, but they began taking damage from the intense amount of fire. The Demolisher Guns and torpedoes continued to fire into the ranks of enemies, dumping shot after shot...most of their shots went to the Swarms, though they began firing on the battlecruisers moving in.

Meanwhile, the mines nearest the enemy, though not as strong as on the other sections, began targeting the enemies. Sensing the presence of enemies, they armed themselves, and homed in on the Azahan vessels, using magnets and tractor beams to move in on their targets.

EDIT:

All the while, the fleet was finally finished mobilizing, its crews called back and the vessels ready for action. They then moved out from their bases, and began heading to reinforce the line...

The cylindrical line of Swarms started to buckle and scatter. It was normal for the captians of Swarms to break down in the middle of combat, and do anything they can to live. They were only lower class officers. But get enough of them to 'freak out', and you have a mass of mayhem.

The 500 or so swarms left in the line broke up and scattered, some of them launched their fighters, the others launched their torpedos at varying targets.

Meanwhile, at the Azahan line, the Rear Admiral kept directing his troops.

"They're using mines. I want 3rd squadron to release their fighters and interceptors. I want them to target the mines, and destroy as much as they can. 2nd squadron is to release their bombers. They will target the bigger stations."

And so they did. The fighters went after mines, and the bombers flew at full speed towards the bigger stations. There was thousands of the fighters and bombers.

Back at the combat line, the battlecruisers started to pump out shells at the stations aiming at them. Some battlecruisers were taking hits, but their shields, or if they were disabled, their armor, were taking the brunts. These weren't as worthless as the Swarms.
-------------------------------------------------------

"Exittng the warp in 3... 2...-"

With a pop and a flash, the second fleet exited in terrifying numbers. They were composed the same as the Leningrad fleet, except they were 500 less in Swarm numbers.

Like clockwork, the first squadron of 750 swarms darted straight for the planet and any defences. The second and third squadron of 500 Swarms went off to the sides in an attempt to circle the planet, and flush out any other defenders. The rest of the fleet stayed at their exit point, awaiting to see what they were up against.

The cylindrical line of Swarms started to buckle and scatter. It was normal for the captians of Swarms to break down in the middle of combat, and do anything they can to live. They were only lower class officers. But get enough of them to 'freak out', and you have a mass of mayhem.

The 500 or so swarms left in the line broke up and scattered, some of them launched their fighters, the others launched their torpedos at varying targets.

Meanwhile, at the Azahan line, the Rear Admiral kept directing his troops.

"They're using mines. I want 3rd squadron to release their fighters and interceptors. I want them to target the mines, and destroy as much as they can. 2nd squadron is to release their bombers. They will target the bigger stations."

And so they did. The fighters went after mines, and the bombers flew at full speed towards the bigger stations. There was thousands of the fighters and bombers.

Back at the combat line, the battlecruisers started to pump out shells at the stations aiming at them. Some battlecruisers were taking hits, but their shields, or if they were disabled, their armor, were taking the brunts. These weren't as worthless as the Swarms.

The stations were taking more hits, and they then turned their Gauss Guns onto the enemy fighters and bombers, seeking to kill off as many of them as possible while they awaited assistance. The Demolisher Guns were increasingly turned on the more capable vessels, token effort being made against the Swarms in the form of torpedo shots, as it was realized that they were really easy to kill.

The mines, meanwhile, tried to move faster, increasing power on magnets and tractor beams. They also tried to crudely maneuver around the fighters and the Gauss Gun shots to reach their enemies...some of them accidentally hit the fighters, in which case, their very large ordinance exploded....

The reinforcements, meanwhile, arranged themselves in a crescent shaped firing line and began arriving close to the Fourth Line. They moved above it, and began moving as fast as possible close to the enemy, charging Super Warp Cannons for an initial strike.




"Exittng the warp in 3... 2...-"

With a pop and a flash, the second fleet exited in terrifying numbers. They were composed the same as the Leningrad fleet, except they were 500 less in Swarm numbers.

Like clockwork, the first squadron of 750 swarms darted straight for the planet and any defences. The second and third squadron of 500 Swarms went off to the sides in an attempt to circle the planet, and flush out any other defenders. The rest of the fleet stayed at their exit point, awaiting to see what they were up against.

The 50-60 ships soon began Bosun Jumping to Andromeda Prime, and the planetary defenses, meanwhile, began opening fire with energy weapons and torpedoes, and shields went up around Andromeda Prime.

Warned of the invaders by Andromeda HQ, the ships jumped to locations outside the sphere of attack, on top of the planet and outside of the fleet. Then, they proceeded to fire a hail of Demolisher Gun shots and Ion torpedo blasts at the enemy, followed with Ion Cannon shots (OOC: One thing that was on the Mao Zedong as it exists to day, huge oversight). The Prochkhorovkas, meanwhille, deployed fighters and Komsomol III fighter-bombers to make attack runs on the enemy ships.

The stations were taking more hits, and they then turned their Gauss Guns onto the enemy fighters and bombers, seeking to kill off as many of them as possible while they awaited assistance. The Demolisher Guns were increasingly turned on the more capable vessels, token effort being made against the Swarms in the form of torpedo shots, as it was realized that they were really easy to kill.

The mines, meanwhile, tried to move faster, increasing power on magnets and tractor beams. They also tried to crudely maneuver around the fighters and the Gauss Gun shots to reach their enemies...some of them accidentally hit the fighters, in which case, their very large ordinance exploded....

The reinforcements, meanwhile, arranged themselves in a crescent shaped firing line and began arriving close to the Fourth Line. They moved above it, and began moving as fast as possible close to the enemy, charging Super Warp Cannons for an initial strike.

Being berrated by the defense stations, the battlecruisers started to pull away from the lines of fire, already having a couple battlecruisers disabled, and drifting in the dead of space.

With this motion, the second squadron of 750 Swarms started to move in, arming their torpedos and firing them in quick succession. This time however, the 750 Swarms scattered, instead of barreling in, a few lines. They started to spread out, and firing on what ever moved.

The 300 or so Swarms left that were in the first squadron started to regroup, having some of the fire off of them. Some purposefully drove themselves into minefields, trying to attract as many as possible to them, to the crews' dismay(As their ships were being remote controlled, the captains unwilling to suicide themselves.)

The 50-60 ships soon began Bosun Jumping to Andromeda Prime, and the planetary defenses, meanwhile, began opening fire with energy weapons and torpedoes, and shields went up around Andromeda Prime.

Warned of the invaders by Andromeda HQ, the ships jumped to locations outside the sphere of attack, on top of the planet and outside of the fleet. Then, they proceeded to fire a hail of Demolisher Gun shots and Ion torpedo blasts at the enemy, followed with Ion Cannon shots (OOC: One thing that was on the Mao Zedong as it exists to day, huge oversight). The Prochkhorovkas, meanwhille, deployed fighters and Komsomol III fighter-bombers to make attack runs on the enemy ships.

Immediatly, the three squadrons who had been dispatched to lure out the enemy, were now being picked apart. The first squadron had already scattered and 'freaked out', now frantically trying to run or shoot at whatever they can.

The two squadrons who had been going around the planet scattered as well, but they did it purposefully, and did not lose their composure. Fighters were launched, and torpedos were launched.

Meanwhile, back at the Azahan gathering area, the massive Command Ship started to plug away at extreme long range at the Dornalian ships. They trained their super heavy battle cannons at the biggest ships they could find, and tried to exterminate them.

Meanwhile, the battlecruisers and destroyers moved closer, but not too close. They were escorted by the Swarm carriers, ready to defend the bigger ships. And with such feirocity, the battlecruisers and destroyers opened up on the enemyships as well with their heavy battle cannons, and at the same time launching their own payloads of torpedos.

Being berrated by the defense stations, the battlecruisers started to pull away from the lines of fire, already having a couple battlecruisers disabled, and drifting in the dead of space.

With this motion, the second squadron of 750 Swarms started to move in, arming their torpedos and firing them in quick succession. This time however, the 750 Swarms scattered, instead of barreling in, a few lines. They started to spread out, and firing on what ever moved.

The 300 or so Swarms left that were in the first squadron started to regroup, having some of the fire off of them. Some purposefully drove themselves into minefields, trying to attract as many as possible to them, to the crews' dismay(As their ships were being remote controlled, the captains unwilling to suicide themselves.)

The mines fell for the First Squadron's Swarm charge, and a good number targeted them for burnination. Meanwhile, the stations found themselves redoubling their attacks on the new Swarm attack that was spread out; they knew the Swarms were weak, but the presence of reinforcements would be insurance against the big ships of the enemy. As this occurred, the stations did suffer damage from the assaults the enemy made, though the Gauss Guns did intercept some of the torpedoes (they were busied with the fighters, though...)

Meanwhile, an Adjutant informed Barishnikov, "Sir! Matenance has informed us the Mannerheim FTLi Generators are back online."

Barishnikov then said, smiling, "Dock them a day's pay for napping on the job. All units on Second and Third Lines, activate FTLi!"

The Mannerheim Generators activated all over the Second and Third Line, and before long, the once-dormant FTLi generators were active....

....as the reinforcements discovered. The commander on the Potemkin, like the rest of his fleet, found his Bosun Jump drives troubled by the field. Ah well, it was good enough anyway, they were getting close enough. They continued moving forward, Super Warp Cannons charged but held until they got close enough, but they did put pressure on their standard drives and tried to move as fast as possible. In the meantime, they fired a barrage of long-distance Demolisher Gun and Ion Cannon shots at the battlecruisers, firing as they moved closer...

Immediatly, the three squadrons who had been dispatched to lure out the enemy, were now being picked apart. The first squadron had already scattered and 'freaked out', now frantically trying to run or shoot at whatever they can.

The two squadrons who had been going around the planet scattered as well, but they did it purposefully, and did not lose their composure. Fighters were launched, and torpedos were launched.

Meanwhile, back at the Azahan gathering area, the massive Command Ship started to plug away at extreme long range at the Dornalian ships. They trained their super heavy battle cannons at the biggest ships they could find, and tried to exterminate them.

Meanwhile, the battlecruisers and destroyers moved closer, but not too close. They were escorted by the Swarm carriers, ready to defend the bigger ships. And with such feirocity, the battlecruisers and destroyers opened up on the enemyships as well with their heavy battle cannons, and at the same time launching their own payloads of torpedos.

The Dornalians suffered hits from the enemy, as the super heavy guns killed one Mao Zedong and damaged several other vessels, including a Prochkhorovka II, and many more vessels were hit with the withering hail of enemy fire. The torpedoes could be defeated by Gauss Gun fire, but the energy shots couldn't.

HQ Called for reinforcements, and 25 Lin Biao vessels and 15 Maos were to be called up from Luxembourgia, spirited to Andromeda ASAP-which was about an hour, two hours. The objective was to hold them off until then.

The ships scattered promptly afterwards to avoid further damage, returning fire at the two squadrons that had been traveling around the planet in the form of long distance Demolisher Gun and torpedo shots and fields of Gauss Gun fire to protect themselves against the fighters. Meanwhile, they reassembled afterwards behind Andromeda Prime, letting the planetary defenses fire potshots at the enemy.

The mines fell for the First Squadron's Swarm charge, and a good number targeted them for burnination. Meanwhile, the stations found themselves redoubling their attacks on the new Swarm attack that was spread out; they knew the Swarms were weak, but the presence of reinforcements would be insurance against the big ships of the enemy. As this occurred, the stations did suffer damage from the assaults the enemy made, though the Gauss Guns did intercept some of the torpedoes (they were busied with the fighters, though...)

Meanwhile, an Adjutant informed Barishnikov, "Sir! Matenance has informed us the Mannerheim FTLi Generators are back online."

Barishnikov then said, smiling, "Dock them a day's pay for napping on the job. All units on Second and Third Lines, activate FTLi!"

The Mannerheim Generators activated all over the Second and Third Line, and before long, the once-dormant FTLi generators were active....

....as the reinforcements discovered. The commander on the Potemkin, like the rest of his fleet, found his Bosun Jump drives troubled by the field. Ah well, it was good enough anyway, they were getting close enough. They continued moving forward, Super Warp Cannons charged but held until they got close enough, but they did put pressure on their standard drives and tried to move as fast as possible. In the meantime, they fired a barrage of long-distance Demolisher Gun and Ion Cannon shots at the battlecruisers, firing as they moved closer...

Finally, the second squadron of swarms released their payloads of fighters. Thousands more poured out of the 750 ships. The fighters started to break up, learning fromt he mistakes of the fighters from the first squadron. They started to spread out to, so that the point defense cannons could not tear up an entire fighter squadron with one sweep. The bombers in the squadrons also launched their heavy anti-capitol ship torpedos at the stations from extreme long range, now knowing the stations couldn't do much to avoid them. As the bombers launched their torpedos, smaller fighters and interceptors swooped in, trying to draw fire from the cannons, and allowe the torpedos to hit their marks.

By this time, the battlecruiser and destroyers started to do a full on retreat back to their lines. Battlecruisers that were wounded were left behind, and left at the mercy of the Dornalians.

The Command Ship started to train her own super heavy battle cannons at the incoming enemy fleet. The two super heavies on the command ship started to fire a shot every 30 seconds(How long it took to reload the huge shells). She aimed at the biggest ships in the incoming fleet.

At the same time, the command ship lurched forward. She started to move forward ponderously, trying to provide covering fire for the retreating cruisers and destroyers, letting her other heavy, and medium battle cannons fire randomly into the enemy defense lines and fleet.

The Dornalians suffered hits from the enemy, as the super heavy guns killed one Mao Zedong and damaged several other vessels, including a Prochkhorovka II, and many more vessels were hit with the withering hail of enemy fire. The torpedoes could be defeated by Gauss Gun fire, but the energy shots couldn't.

HQ Called for reinforcements, and 25 Lin Biao vessels and 15 Maos were to be called up from Luxembourgia, spirited to Andromeda ASAP-which was about an hour, two hours. The objective was to hold them off until then.

The ships scattered promptly afterwards to avoid further damage, returning fire at the two squadrons that had been traveling around the planet in the form of long distance Demolisher Gun and torpedo shots and fields of Gauss Gun fire to protect themselves against the fighters. Meanwhile, they reassembled afterwards behind Andromeda Prime, letting the planetary defenses fire potshots at the enemy.

The Command Ship started to aim away from the incoming fleet, and started to barrage the planetary defenses with her super heavies.

Finally, the three squadrons that were sent out to scout, started a full retreat, taking too many heavy losses.

The rest of the Swarms, battlecruisers and destroyers started to move in. Unlike the fleet at Leningrad, who only sent one squadron in at a time. This fleet launched everything towards the system, even the commandship starting to move in.

The battlecruisers and destroyers started to fire on, and try to intercept the incoming enemy fleet. The Swarms started to focus on any orbital defences that might be in place, and the Command ship still focussed her fire on the enemy planetary defences.

Finally, the second squadron of swarms released their payloads of fighters. Thousands more poured out of the 750 ships. The fighters started to break up, learning fromt he mistakes of the fighters from the first squadron. They started to spread out to, so that the point defense cannons could not tear up an entire fighter squadron with one sweep. The bombers in the squadrons also launched their heavy anti-capitol ship torpedos at the stations from extreme long range, now knowing the stations couldn't do much to avoid them. As the bombers launched their torpedos, smaller fighters and interceptors swooped in, trying to draw fire from the cannons, and allowe the torpedos to hit their marks.

By this time, the battlecruiser and destroyers started to do a full on retreat back to their lines. Battlecruisers that were wounded were left behind, and left at the mercy of the Dornalians.

The Command Ship started to train her own super heavy battle cannons at the incoming enemy fleet. The two super heavies on the command ship started to fire a shot every 30 seconds(How long it took to reload the huge shells). She aimed at the biggest ships in the incoming fleet.

At the same time, the command ship lurched forward. She started to move forward ponderously, trying to provide covering fire for the retreating cruisers and destroyers, letting her other heavy, and medium battle cannons fire randomly into the enemy defense lines and fleet.

The Battlestar Potemkin and the other battleships escorting it took hits, but the Potemkin could survive, being a Drama Casserole class vessel, though three other vessels were hit, sustaining moderate damage before raising abblative armor. At her signal, the Super Warp Cannons were aimed, and unleashed en masse upon the command ship, in an attempt to decapitate the force, before more long-distance shots were fired at the surviving elements of the battlecruiser force and the swarms, as the reinforcements moved inexorably forth. They were getting close, so the fighters and Komsomol III units plus Mobile Suits were released to provide backup too...

The stations, on the other hand, were not doing so well. The ploy to distact the Gauss Guns mostly succeeded; a few were available to hit the torpedoes but most were busy firing at the fighters attacking them. Thus, the stations sustained more damage, and one even found itself crippled from the assault. In response, the stations fired torpedoes into the fighter ranks, and attempted to detonate them manually, to try and use a wide-area of effect shockwave to help the Gauss Guns out.

The Command Ship started to aim away from the incoming fleet, and started to barrage the planetary defenses with her super heavies.

Finally, the three squadrons that were sent out to scout, started a full retreat, taking too many heavy losses.

The rest of the Swarms, battlecruisers and destroyers started to move in. Unlike the fleet at Leningrad, who only sent one squadron in at a time. This fleet launched everything towards the system, even the commandship starting to move in.

The battlecruisers and destroyers started to fire on, and try to intercept the incoming enemy fleet. The Swarms started to focus on any orbital defences that might be in place, and the Command ship still focussed her fire on the enemy planetary defences.

The Andromeda Fleet used its Bosun Jump drives to warp away to positions on top of the enemy fleet, and began dumping Demolisher Gun fire from there. Seeing the overwhelming numbers of the enemy assaulting the planet below, they decided to mix things up, and fired a collective spread of 24 Antimatter Torpedoes, which had been saved for just this occasion, into the ranks of heavier vessels and the Command Ship below, ignoring the Swarms.

The planetary defenses, which felt the heat from the attack, losing several sattelites and compromising a part of the uppermost planetary shield network, quickly tried to bring in more sattelites to patch the hole in the immediate area, while firing torpedoes and Light Warp Guns onto the Swarms.

The Battlestar Potemkin and the other battleships escorting it took hits, but the Potemkin could survive, being a Drama Casserole class vessel, though three other vessels were hit, sustaining moderate damage before raising abblative armor. At her signal, the Super Warp Cannons were aimed, and unleashed en masse upon the command ship, in an attempt to decapitate the force, before more long-distance shots were fired at the surviving elements of the battlecruiser force and the swarms, as the reinforcements moved inexorably forth. They were getting close, so the fighters and Komsomol III units plus Mobile Suits were released to provide backup too...

The stations, on the other hand, were not doing so well. The ploy to distact the Gauss Guns mostly succeeded; a few were available to hit the torpedoes but most were busy firing at the fighters attacking them. Thus, the stations sustained more damage, and one even found itself crippled from the assault. In response, the stations fired torpedoes into the fighter ranks, and attempted to detonate them manually, to try and use a wide-area of effect shockwave to help the Gauss Guns out.

In a brilliant display of red's, blue's and oranges, the shields of the Azahan commandship flared, deflecting most of the fire from the enemy ships. The focussed fire seemed to work, shattering the shields, and landing a few hits against the hull, until another shield was erected to absorb the rest of the hits. Damn was the admiral glad they splurged funds on the command ships.

But tha Admiral knew it was time to bugger out, and join the forces at Andromeda. His cruisers and destroyers were taking a beating, and the Swarms were running out of ammunition. The order was given to fall back to the Warp point.

Immediatly, everyship turned 180 degress, as fast as they could, and started to steam away from the lines. Fighters were left deployed, to cover the retreat of the remaining fleet. Even then, they were having trouble keeping the new mechs at bay, all they could do was attempt to out maneuver them.

The Andromeda Fleet used its Bosun Jump drives to warp away to positions on top of the enemy fleet, and began dumping Demolisher Gun fire from there. Seeing the overwhelming numbers of the enemy assaulting the planet below, they decided to mix things up, and fired a collective spread of 24 Antimatter Torpedoes, which had been saved for just this occasion, into the ranks of heavier vessels and the Command Ship below, ignoring the Swarms.

The planetary defenses, which felt the heat from the attack, losing several sattelites and compromising a part of the uppermost planetary shield network, quickly tried to bring in more sattelites to patch the hole in the immediate area, while firing torpedoes and Light Warp Guns onto the Swarms.

The massive command ship, and cruisers took immediate evasive manuvers. They started to spread out, and roll so their side aimed/mounted weapons could hit the targets above them.

Finally, the hundreds of point defense flak cannons fired up, and started pumping away at the torpedos, but it was a little too late for most ships, including the command ship. The flak cannons did hit their targets, but they were already too close. Massive shockwaves rocked the ship, as she moaned and groaned. The shields held, but it was the magnitude of the concussive force that almost rent chunks of the ships clean off, including the two massive reactors protruding out the back of the ship. Many ships were disabled, but the battle wasn't over yet.

Like a swarm of bees, half of the Swarms that were assaulting the defenses broke away, and moved in unison back towards the fleet that had appeared over the command ship. Fighters were sent forth, along with swarms of torpedos.

Seen the destructive power of the torpedos, the remaining of the fleet spread out as far as they could, without compromising their squadrons.

However, it was from this point, that the call came in through the subspace radios. Something big has been spotted outside of the Azaha system, and help may be required....

In a brilliant display of red's, blue's and oranges, the shields of the Azahan commandship flared, deflecting most of the fire from the enemy ships. The focussed fire seemed to work, shattering the shields, and landing a few hits against the hull, until another shield was erected to absorb the rest of the hits. Damn was the admiral glad they splurged funds on the command ships.

But tha Admiral knew it was time to bugger out, and join the forces at Andromeda. His cruisers and destroyers were taking a beating, and the Swarms were running out of ammunition. The order was given to fall back to the Warp point.

Immediatly, everyship turned 180 degress, as fast as they could, and started to steam away from the lines. Fighters were left deployed, to cover the retreat of the remaining fleet. Even then, they were having trouble keeping the new mechs at bay, all they could do was attempt to out maneuver them.

The new Marinesko II fighters plus their Mobile Suit counterparts, wasted no time in fanning into into x-shaped kill teams to hunt the Azahan fighters. Meanwhile, Komsomol III fighter-bombers moved into v-shaped formations, speeding towards the heavier vessels and firing torpedoes at them from long range. This was joined by the reinforcing fleet's own hail of fire, which resumed firing upon the battlecruisers and destroyers, and even spared a few shots for the Swarms, which were mostly shot at by the stations.

The massive command ship, and cruisers took immediate evasive manuvers. They started to spread out, and roll so their side aimed/mounted weapons could hit the targets above them.

Finally, the hundreds of point defense flak cannons fired up, and started pumping away at the torpedos, but it was a little too late for most ships, including the command ship. The flak cannons did hit their targets, but they were already too close. Massive shockwaves rocked the ship, as she moaned and groaned. The shields held, but it was the magnitude of the concussive force that almost rent chunks of the ships clean off, including the two massive reactors protruding out the back of the ship. Many ships were disabled, but the battle wasn't over yet.

Like a swarm of bees, half of the Swarms that were assaulting the defenses broke away, and moved in unison back towards the fleet that had appeared over the command ship. Fighters were sent forth, along with swarms of torpedos.

Seen the destructive power of the torpedos, the remaining of the fleet spread out as far as they could, without compromising their squadrons.

However, it was from this point, that the call came in through the subspace radios. Something big has been spotted outside of the Azaha system, and help may be required....

It was at this time the Andromeda Fleet's Gauss Guns roared to life, firing at the enemy torpedoes with great anger, though a good number still got through and hit them, dealing damage to a number of them. Meanwhile, the fleet's own fighters began harassing the enemy's.

The Andromeda Fleet itself threw a volley of torpedoes and Ion Cannon shot at the Swarms, while long distance Demolisher fire was targeted at the enemy fleet, though as the enemy had spread out, the Andromeda Fleet was obliged to transform their formation into a box, to provide interlocking fields of fire and to keep themselves stable.

Reinforcements, meanwhile, were coming very soon, it was reported to the lead ship in the fleet, the James L. Norton. In about five minutes, they would arrive....

The new Marinesko II fighters plus their Mobile Suit counterparts, wasted no time in fanning into into x-shaped kill teams to hunt the Azahan fighters. Meanwhile, Komsomol III fighter-bombers moved into v-shaped formations, speeding towards the heavier vessels and firing torpedoes at them from long range. This was joined by the reinforcing fleet's own hail of fire, which resumed firing upon the battlecruisers and destroyers, and even spared a few shots for the Swarms, which were mostly shot at by the stations.

With the fighters being chewed up and torn apart, it was deemed best to leave most of them behind, and make the jump out of the system to reenforce the Andromeda strike fleet. Thus the order was given.

"All ships. Prepare for Warp jump. All ships slave to the Nurgle's Will. Warp drivers are sifting energy. Prepare to jump on 15 seconds."

All the ships started to move closer to the Command Ship. Within moments, they were all in tight formation, their fields of fire interlocking and trying to gun down anything that got close.

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1-"

With a snap and a brilliant white flash, a massive portal in space and time was ripped asunder. The entire fleet started to move forward, then things started to go horribly wrong.

With the prescense of the FTLi, the Warp field reactors were straining themselves to keep a stable wormhole open. Almost immediatly, they tried to shut themselves down to avoid a catastrophic failure, however the massive energy it took to even keep the wormhole open for 2 seconds overloaded the reactors, causing them to explode violently.

With a fantastic white explosion, brighter than the opening of the worm hole, the two external reactors on the Command ship exploded. The entire rear 3/4ths of the ship was obliterated completely, not a spec of matter to be seen, along with any other ship close to the origin of the blast.

The explosion rocked the entire fleet, who had gathered close to the command ship for the jump. The massive shockwave ripped right through most of the Swarms, who had no shielding what so ever. Most of those were ripped apart, rivet by rivet. The unshielded battlecruisers and destroyers were also blasted apart. Lucky for the crew, they did not have to experiance dying in space, as most, if not all died from smacking into the walls of their own ships, their bodies being crushed to a few molocules thick.

The ships who were lucky enough to be shielded, and decently far away from the command ship, were simply swatted away. Most of the shields failed, but the ships survived. However, because of the force of the blast, most of the surviving ships were sent rolling port over starboard, slowly rolling out of control, either into each other, or into the blackness of space.

It was at this time the Andromeda Fleet's Gauss Guns roared to life, firing at the enemy torpedoes with great anger, though a good number still got through and hit them, dealing damage to a number of them. Meanwhile, the fleet's own fighters began harassing the enemy's.

The Andromeda Fleet itself threw a volley of torpedoes and Ion Cannon shot at the Swarms, while long distance Demolisher fire was targeted at the enemy fleet, though as the enemy had spread out, the Andromeda Fleet was obliged to transform their formation into a box, to provide interlocking fields of fire and to keep themselves stable.

Reinforcements, meanwhile, were coming very soon, it was reported to the lead ship in the fleet, the James L. Norton. In about five minutes, they would arrive....

While the battle roared in space, a quick meeting was taking place within the command ship.

The admiral still stood in his spot, conferring with the other senior officers on the bridge.

"If it is true, then we must leave immediatly, and aid Gustable. We cannot sit here and fight a petty war when our homeland is in peril." One officer said, his voice fanatical and loud. No one disagreed though.

"The big dilemma, is how to get there. With Warp drive, it will take us two weeks to get home...." The admiral himself said allowed, thinking to himself more than conferring with the other officers.

"Slip drive would only take 7 days to reach Azaha system." Piped in a second senior officer.

"But that would leave us in the dust, the most powerful vessel. Without us, the rest of the fleet is nothing." The first officer said.

"You talk as if we are already defeated on the home front. They can simply arrive, and use the facilities there to rearm. Azaha could not fall in 7 days. They probably won't even need us, by the time we get there." The second officer replied.

Both of the officers turned to the Grand Admiral. Slowly, he turned around, and stared at his bridge. "The rest of the fleet will leave us. They will make their way to a billion kilometers outside of the Azaha system. From there, they will wait to see if Azaha is in dire danger. If they are not, then they will proceed without the Uraj, and help mop up any forces that are left. However, if Azaha has indeed fallen.... they will wait for us, and we will work off of there."

Once again, no one disagreed.

"Com, open a channel to all ships."

"Open sir."

All ships. The Fatherland is in danger. We are leaving immediatly to help the defensive forces. It us unclear whether or not we have fallen yet, but that is doubtful. All slipdrive capable ships shall leave immediatly. Abandon your fighter squadrons if they have deployed, their deaths are meaningless to the security of our home. You will await one billion kilometers outside the Azaha system. From there, you will await additional orders. Grand Admiral out.

And in quick succession, the fleet started to dissapear in little flashes of blue light. Whether they were in the midsts of being destroyed, gunning an enemy ship, or cruising, they simply engaged their slip drives, and exitted the battlefield.

This left the command ship. "Take us out of here."

In a bright flash of light, a tear opened up in space, and the command ship dissapered. As quickly as the Azahan fleet had appeared, they dissapeared.

With the fighters being chewed up and torn apart, it was deemed best to leave most of them behind, and make the jump out of the system to reenforce the Andromeda strike fleet. Thus the order was given.

"All ships. Prepare for Warp jump. All ships slave to the Nurgle's Will. Warp drivers are sifting energy. Prepare to jump on 15 seconds."

All the ships started to move closer to the Command Ship. Within moments, they were all in tight formation, their fields of fire interlocking and trying to gun down anything that got close.

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1-"

With a snap and a brilliant white flash, a massive portal in space and time was ripped asunder. The entire fleet started to move forward, then things started to go horribly wrong.

With the prescense of the FTLi, the Warp field reactors were straining themselves to keep a stable wormhole open. Almost immediatly, they tried to shut themselves down to avoid a catastrophic failure, however the massive energy it took to even keep the wormhole open for 2 seconds overloaded the reactors, causing them to explode violently.

With a fantastic white explosion, brighter than the opening of the worm hole, the two external reactors on the Command ship exploded. The entire rear 3/4ths of the ship was obliterated completely, not a spec of matter to be seen, along with any other ship close to the origin of the blast.

The explosion rocked the entire fleet, who had gathered close to the command ship for the jump. The massive shockwave ripped right through most of the Swarms, who had no shielding what so ever. Most of those were ripped apart, rivet by rivet. The unshielded battlecruisers and destroyers were also blasted apart. Lucky for the crew, they did not have to experiance dying in space, as most, if not all died from smacking into the walls of their own ships, their bodies being crushed to a few molocules thick.

The ships who were lucky enough to be shielded, and decently far away from the command ship, were simply swatted away. Most of the shields failed, but the ships survived. However, because of the force of the blast, most of the surviving ships were sent rolling port over starboard, slowly rolling out of control, either into each other, or into the blackness of space.

The Potemkin's Commander, Admiral Graciela Jimenez, after a brief spat with Barishnikov, was allowed to conduct the final manuevers, ceasing fire from her own vessels yet continuing to shadow the enemy. Thus, when the fleet moved close enough to the enemy vessels, Jimenez ordered Gagarin shuttles and Haywood Dropships loaded with Marines to begin boarding operations on the surviving vessels; thus, these vessels moved out, escorted by their comrades in the existing fighter and Mobile Suit support, to attach themselves to the enemy vessels they could safely get to and board them by hook or by crook. In the meantime, a message was sent to the remnants.

"Attention Azahan fleet. You have been bested by the might of the Workers and Peasants. Surrender now, and you may yet live to see your homelands again. Prepare to be boarded."

While the battle roared in space, a quick meeting was taking place within the command ship.

The admiral still stood in his spot, conferring with the other senior officers on the bridge.

"If it is true, then we must leave immediatly, and aid Gustable. We cannot sit here and fight a petty war when our homeland is in peril." One officer said, his voice fanatical and loud. No one disagreed though.

"The big dilemma, is how to get there. With Warp drive, it will take us two weeks to get home...." The admiral himself said allowed, thinking to himself more than conferring with the other officers.

"Slip drive would only take 7 days to reach Azaha system." Piped in a second senior officer.

"But that would leave us in the dust, the most powerful vessel. Without us, the rest of the fleet is nothing." The first officer said.

"You talk as if we are already defeated on the home front. They can simply arrive, and use the facilities there to rearm. Azaha could not fall in 7 days. They probably won't even need us, by the time we get there." The second officer replied.

Both of the officers turned to the Grand Admiral. Slowly, he turned around, and stared at his bridge. "The rest of the fleet will leave us. They will make their way to a billion kilometers outside of the Azaha system. From there, they will wait to see if Azaha is in dire danger. If they are not, then they will proceed without the Uraj, and help mop up any forces that are left. However, if Azaha has indeed fallen.... they will wait for us, and we will work off of there."

Once again, no one disagreed.

"Com, open a channel to all ships."

"Open sir."



And in quick succession, the fleet started to dissapear in little flashes of blue light. Whether they were in the midsts of being destroyed, gunning an enemy ship, or cruising, they simply engaged their slip drives, and exitted the battlefield.

This left the command ship. "Take us out of here."

In a bright flash of light, a tear opened up in space, and the command ship dissapered. As quickly as the Azahan fleet had appeared, they dissapeared.

The Andromeda Fleet was stunned...had they really done it? Only time would tell, as their reinforcements arrived too late to provide aid. The suddeness of it all struck many of them as somewhat odd, but then again, none of them looked this gift horse in the mouth.

In the Undying Guilt, a Foe Hammer class battle cruiser, things were not so bad. Well, besides all the unconcious bodies strewn about the bridge, and the rest of the ship.

Thankfully, the Undying Guilt was the only lucky ship. It had taken very minimal damage during the actual fighting, and was also one of the furthest away from the Command Ship when it detonated. So relatively speaking, the ship was much better off than the others, relatively.

The ship was still heavily damaged from the explosion. Her engines were all but fried, weapons systems either torn away or disabled. Even life support was disabled, but from the sound of things, they wouldn't be on the ship for very long.

Attention Azahan fleet. You have been bested by the might of the Workers and Peasants. Surrender now, and you may yet live to see your homelands again. Prepare to be boarded.

The captain stumbled up from the floor. He had a large gash in his forehead, and his left arm was twisted in an odd way, surely broken. He inched his arm close to him, and held it with his right hand, trying to keep it from jostling. The message from the Dornalians raced through his head.

"Damn... it wasn't just a bad dream."

He peered out the window. The ship was still in a gentle rolling motion. It was almost serene, and comforting, until he heard several loud clunks on the hull of his ship. He looked around the bridge slowly trying to figure out what the sounds were, when several loud pops sounded. Sounded like some one penetrating the hull.

Rushing to his personal control panel set in his chair, he slammed on the ship-wide squak. He hoped the speakers still worked, as internal communications were independant from the rest of the ship.

"Attention, attention. We are being boarded, repeat, we are being boarded by a hostile force. However, do not engage. Surrender yourselves, for the time being. Only fight if they decide to get hostile first. Captain out."

The captain slowly climbed into his chair, and sat in it, slumping himself. He stared out the window dumbly. It was better to surrender and live to fight another day, than to belligerently fight an impossible battle.

In the Undying Guilt, a Foe Hammer class battle cruiser, things were not so bad. Well, besides all the unconcious bodies strewn about the bridge, and the rest of the ship.

Thankfully, the Undying Guilt was the only lucky ship. It had taken very minimal damage during the actual fighting, and was also one of the furthest away from the Command Ship when it detonated. So relatively speaking, the ship was much better off than the others, relatively.

The ship was still heavily damaged from the explosion. Her engines were all but fried, weapons systems either torn away or disabled. Even life support was disabled, but from the sound of things, they wouldn't be on the ship for very long.



The captain stumbled up from the floor. He had a large gash in his forehead, and his left arm was twisted in an odd way, surely broken. He inched his arm close to him, and held it with his right hand, trying to keep it from jostling. The message from the Dornalians raced through his head.

"Damn... it wasn't just a bad dream."

He peered out the window. The ship was still in a gentle rolling motion. It was almost serene, and comforting, until he heard several loud clunks on the hull of his ship. He looked around the bridge slowly trying to figure out what the sounds were, when several loud pops sounded. Sounded like some one penetrating the hull.

Rushing to his personal control panel set in his chair, he slammed on the ship-wide squak. He hoped the speakers still worked, as internal communications were independant from the rest of the ship.

"Attention, attention. We are being boarded, repeat, we are being boarded by a hostile force. However, do not engage. Surrender yourselves, for the time being. Only fight if they decide to get hostile first. Captain out."

The captain slowly climbed into his chair, and sat in it, slumping himself. He stared out the window dumbly. It was better to surrender and live to fight another day, than to belligerently fight an impossible battle.

The Marines onboard the boarding vessels fanned out in teams of two, accompanied, in select squads, by some men from the Commissariat of Science trained in Latin. They ordered the Azahans to get down, and lay down their arms, as they inspected the ship for any surprises-of which so far, there seemed to be none. The Marines, just to be sure, kept their arms in a low position, to not attract any undue hostility.

Meanwhile, a Marine team escorted by one of these interpreters got near the bridge. The interpreter slammed on the door, and screamed in Latin, "Open the door! In the name of the Workers and Peasants, I order you to open up and surrender!"

All around the ship, slaves and officers alike kept their passiveness, and cooperated as best they could. Not one crew member lost their temper, or even acted threateningly.

On the bridge, the captian didn't even jump as the door was slammed on. All he did was continue to stare out into the blackness of space. It took a few moments for another bridge officer to open the door, and step away.

Almost all of the eight bridge officers were standing, except for the captain, who didn't seem to care much.

All around the ship, slaves and officers alike kept their passiveness, and cooperated as best they could. Not one crew member lost their temper, or even acted threateningly.

On the bridge, the captian didn't even jump as the door was slammed on. All he did was continue to stare out into the blackness of space. It took a few moments for another bridge officer to open the door, and step away.

Almost all of the eight bridge officers were standing, except for the captain, who didn't seem to care much.

The Marines moved in, and fanned out to cover the room. They kneeled, keeping their weapons down, and took defensive positions. The Seargeant in charge of operations then walked in, and told the interpreter, "Translate this for me."

He then struck a heroic pose, and then said, the translator transalting: "Captain, you are now a prisoner of the Red Army. My prisoner, to be exact. Now, prepare for beaming..."

The captain looked up from his chair, to the translator and sergeant. He had to hold back a chuckle, from watching the sergeant attempts to strike a good pose.

He stood up slowly, and adjusted his outfit with his one good hand.

"About time." He said, in a low voice, then said in a louder voice, "As long as you mend my arm, I'll cooperate."

He then looked directly at the sergeant. "You can drop the whole... patriot thing... It's a bit creepy. I am also no one's prisoner. I am only a servant, and prisoner to Nurgle's will." He paused for a moment, then seemed to lighten up. "See how creepy being patriotic is?"

The captain looked up from his chair, to the translator and sergeant. He had to hold back a chuckle, from watching the sergeant attempts to strike a good pose.

He stood up slowly, and adjusted his outfit with his one good hand.

"About time." He said, in a low voice, then said in a louder voice, "As long as you mend my arm, I'll cooperate."

He then looked directly at the sergeant. "You can drop the whole... patriot thing... It's a bit creepy. I am also no one's prisoner. I am only a servant, and prisoner to Nurgle's will." He paused for a moment, then seemed to lighten up. "See how creepy being patriotic is?"

The translator translated the words, adding, "He kinda finds your pose hilarious."

The Sarge said, slightly irked, "Tell him to lighten up, and that if Nurgle really cared, he'd not have to put up with me. And tell him we'll get a medic for his arm."

The translator then said, "Meh," and told him everything of what the Sarge just said. In the meantime, the Sarge called for the beaming up of the prisoners, and before long, they were beamed onto the the Potemkin, where medics and more soldiers were waiting. Meanwhile, this was done with the other Azahans, as well, onto the waiting ships to expedite the capture process, along with the use of tractor beams to pick up the enemy ships that were worth recovering...

Meanwhile, JRCCC was informed of the good news-the enemy at New Leningrad and at Andromeda was gone. New Leningrad, the situation was obvious-the "Anti-Fascist Defense Line," also more commonly called the "MacIntyre Line" had held, though the mines and a few of the stations would have to be rebuilt. Andromeda was more obscure-it was as if the enemy had other business to attend to, and that was the saving grace of the "Battlin' Annies," as they were being called.

There were a few men deserving of the Bronze and Silver Stars, plus the Gold Star. Maybe even a few Heroes of the People Awards, both 2nd and 1st Class. All in all, it was a tough fight, and it illustrated that this was an enemy with numbers, but nothing New Dornalia could not fight.

However, the Premier was busy offworld. He merely instructed Taniel Gibarian to give a speech MacIntyre had written for this very occasion, on the spot, in the downtime at the conference he was at. Taniel, being the Commissar of Internal Affairs and thus acting in the Premier's stead when he was abroad, obliged the Premier.

--------------------------

The Palace of the Soviets in Los Angeles was packed with people of both houses of the People's Congress, who were incensed at this intrusion. What was normally debate about military spending and skepticism about the policies of the MacIntyre Government suddenly vanished overnight. The Azahans did what MacIntyre's politicking couldn't--it brought the Congress together.

Numerous Congressmen called for blood.

"Punish the Trespassers!"

"Death to the running dog Azahan menace!"

"Bring the war to the ESUS!"

Taniel slammed the gavel and screamed, "ORDER!"

He then coughed ad read the speech.

"Congressmen, Workers and Peasants:

As of now, you may have heard of the dastardly attack upon the territories of New Leningrad and Andromeda Colony. Azahan forces, possibly acting with the knowledge or consent, or even support of the dastardly cabal that is the ESUS, moved to attack these lands, in what can only be a move to deprive us of our liberties and shackle the Workers and Peasants to gluttonistic, excessively capitalistic slavery.

The Workers and Peasants defeated the ESUS here! They pushed their Azahan flunkies back with great force, despite their overwhelming force. They who would try and teach us a lesson, have been taught a lesson of their own. They who would try to impose their will on us, have gotten another surprise!"

Applause rang out.

"Now, our Great Comrade Premier could not be here; the ravages of the common cold have kept him away from this hall. However, he sends his regards, and has instructed me to continue the fight. He wants me, nay, you, no, the Workers and Peasants of this nation, this great Workers State, to finish what was started at New Leningrad and Andromeda, and repay the ESUS, beginning with Azaha, manyfold for their impudence. For they are to be Enemies of the People, and are to be punished as such, lest they be allowed to trammel upon the liberties of others!"

More applause....and a vote. No surprise, the vote was unanimous. New Dornalia made the war versus Azaha, and the whole of the ESUS, official.

There were not many survivors. Very few ships made it out intact, and out of those few, even fewer men were left alive. All in all, nearly 800 prisoners were taken.

As of right now, it seemed the only hope of the prisoners was the highest ranking officer still left alive. He was the captian of the Undying Guilt. He was only a Lt. Commander, but he was highest ranking officer left.

All he did however, was sit in his cell. He didn't know what to expect, or what to do. All he could do is sit alone. He didn't know if the enemy planned to question him, or simply kill him. But it didn't matter, either would be a welcomed change to the boredom.

There were not many survivors. Very few ships made it out intact, and out of those few, even fewer men were left alive. All in all, nearly 800 prisoners were taken.

As of right now, it seemed the only hope of the prisoners was the highest ranking officer still left alive. He was the captian of the Undying Guilt. He was only a Lt. Commander, but he was highest ranking officer left.

All he did however, was sit in his cell. He didn't know what to expect, or what to do. All he could do is sit alone. He didn't know if the enemy planned to question him, or simply kill him. But it didn't matter, either would be a welcomed change to the boredom.

The cell in the POW Detention Area on New Leningrad--really just a wing of the Wil Wheaton Memorial People's Penitentiary which had enough spare cells to house the POWs without their getting shanked by the regulars--was not a comfy place; indeed, it was built to make prisoners never want to commit crimes again. Small wonder it could get boring really fast....

..but that boredom was about to get shattered. Two burly guards opened the cell, and the interpreter commanded him to get up, and follow them to the interrogation area. They were going to ask him a few questions about his homeland, and he'd better answer truthfully, unless he wanted to have a few new character-building injuries.

He sat in the uncomfortable chair, squinting in the artificial light, which was a change from the po-dunk dark cell he had come from.

The Lt. Commander looked the interrogator, his sleepy eyes trying to make eye contact.

"I'll tell you what you want to know. If I am treated like a proper PoW Officer."

He sat in the uncomfortable chair, squinting in the artificial light, which was a change from the po-dunk dark cell he had come from.

The Lt. Commander looked the interrogator, his sleepy eyes trying to make eye contact.

"I'll tell you what you want to know. If I am treated like a proper PoW Officer."

The snide looking Internal Security Agent said sternly, "We are reasonable men; not barbarians. Good treatment is what you will get, as long as you talk truthfully."

He pointed to the People's Acolyte standing nearby.

"The Force-user can sense lies, so don't try."

The interrogator then said, pacing around the room as he spoke, maintaining eye contact: "Now, tell me. The vessels that attacked New Leningrad--from where did they come from? And what kind of military capabilities and defenses exist nearby?"

"Where did they come from? They came from the Azaha system. A staging area a few lightyears outside of Leningrad is where we gathered. Just a bit of empty space, nothing too obvious."

The looked away, the light still bothering his eyes.

"There are no installations, no nothing. It's a straight shot from here to the Azaha system."

He was indeed telling the truth, however, it was unsure if the Force telepath could get a proper reading, even witht he feint field of Warp Energy surrounding the Commander's body and mind.

"Now, can I get a bigger cell with a bed?"

"Where did they come from? They came from the Azaha system. A staging area a few lightyears outside of Leningrad is where we gathered. Just a bit of empty space, nothing too obvious."

The looked away, the light still bothering his eyes.

"There are no installations, no nothing. It's a straight shot from here to the Azaha system."

He was indeed telling the truth, however, it was unsure if the Force telepath could get a proper reading, even witht he feint field of Warp Energy surrounding the Commander's body and mind.

"Now, can I get a bigger cell with a bed?"

The Acolyte then said, "It's the truth, sir."

The Agent then laughed coarsely and said, the translator quickly translating: "Perhaps you may get a cushier bed and a bigger cell after all. But tell me, what's in the Azaha system? Anymore vessels? Defensive installations? Perhaps even centers of government or military control?"

Slowly, the commander looked up. His eyes met the interrogator's dead on, the blaze of perserverence in his eyes.

"It is our home system, our only system. What do you expect to be there?"

Slowly, the commander looked up. His eyes met the interrogator's dead on, the blaze of perserverence in his eyes.

"It is our home system, our only system. What do you expect to be there?"

The interrogator then said, meeting the man's fierce gaze with a simple, pointed, "But of course. It is your home; it will be defended to the last man with every ounce of being you have in a last stand. You are succinct; but you have told us a lot...."

He then motioned to the burly guards, "Guards, find this man the cell he wanted. Accomidate his request as best as possible."

The guards obliged, and ordered him to follow through the interpreter.

Meanwhile, the Agent began writing his report, and excused the Acolyte back to his duties....

As the commander exited the room, he mumbled "To the last man...", and snickered. In his mind, he knew that the forces of Azaha would roll over to any 'liberator'.