James Luck: Never shall we Die
The fortress was vast, metal walls higher than any home or shop.
Scattered across the long, high, strong wall were towers taller and stronger, on one point in the wall was an archway with a firm gate pulled up. And within the towers and along the walls were human soldiers, wearing black armour wielding powerful lazer point rifles. Flying high above them atop the towers were flags, with a blue background and a white line zigging sharply to form an imperfect triangle where the starting and finishing points do not properly meet. The flag of the Pro Human Collaborating government known as the Galactic Coalition, famed for putting humanity first and treating non humans as second class citizens.
Within the courtyard though, were people in chains, all of them in military uniforms of officers and soldiers.
In a long line stretching under the archway and the gate, all of them were their heads down in defeat, the insignia on their shoulders were the emblem of the Liberators. The Legendary group of people hell bent on protecting the freedoms and liberties of mankind, now defeated and humiliated.
The were pushed on by human troops on both sides, weapons readied to snuff out any resistance. They pushed them forward to a specific point, where groups were to be unchained from the line and pulled further ahead, to a point of open space, where a line of soldiers and a single officer were standing ready at the position of attention.
A group of Liberators were pulled up 10 of them to match the 10 soldiers at the ready, the stood facing them staring their enemy dead in the eye.
Then the orders came, "Ready Weapons" the coalition readied themselves, removing the safeties of their weapons. "Aim!" they all in unison took aim at their individual target.
"FIRE!" the shots rang out as the bodies fell.
"Attention" the firing squad stood too, rifles by their sides.
Another squad of coalition troops came running out and began to pull the bodies of human and alien liberator alike. Allowing another group to come forward, then another and another.
But then a face that every liberator there knew, Admiral Hirohito, Chief in Command of the Liberators and with him was an old friend of James Luck, Alexandro Tomas of the Federal Military were pulled up with 8 others, Both of them like all other were too in chains, bloodied and beaten like all the rest.
They stood in the middle of the other eight, staring the firing squad in the face.
But then without any fear, the Admiral began to whisper a small tune "Freedom Forgotten and Liberty abscondddeeedddd, as they bboouunnnd the shackles on our bbbboooonnnneeesss"
He took a breath and began to sing more loudly and clearly "Shhhoulld we fall.... Others, shall RISE!"
Soon others of the group most especially Alexandro Tomas joined "Toooo war..... all stand..... fight and hold the liinnnee Sttrrrooonngggg"
"Ready Weapons" an order came
Together as one they all shouted as they sang "Fffight ooonnnn" as soon the long line of prisoners to follow them joined in, by singing the Liberator anthem and remembrance lightly at first "Frrreeedom Fighters" but then with greater vigour "Nevvvveerrrr shall we Diieeee"
As one they showed the enemy they had no fear even as the order "Aim" was given, they continued to sing and even scare the guards around them as they stomping their feet and beat their chests in a show of courage, "RISE UP..... RISE TOGETHER...... FIGHT AAASSSS OUR BLOOD RRRRUNNNNSSSS"
In a small office overlooking the courtyard an officer came running to his commander "Sir... the prisoners, their singing Lord Magister"
A familiar face, hidden behind a blackened mask and bio suit, Lord Magister Krell, leader of the Invader forces in the milky way, turned to the watch them as he gave his answer "for the last time will this be heard"
"IIIIFFFF WE FALL........ MORE SHALL RISE!!!!!" The prisoners shouted aloud, as Alexandro looked once more to the firing squad to let them here the final message of the Liberators and more importantly, the message of the man who would bring their precious belief in humanities superiority down.
"NNNNNEEEVVVVERRRR SHALL WE DDDDDDDIIIIIIIIEEEEEE"
"FIRE!"
The last message of the Liberators was clear to all who heard it, the liberators may have fallen, they may have been defeated. But others shall rise to take their place, for they and others like them know the truth never shall dream die, nor shall those who believe in it, no tyrant, no occupier can ever truly defeat those who fight for the dream that is liberty and freedom.
The Federation had fallen, Lord Magister Krell with his unique intelligence in warfare had brought the Invaders and their Coalition allies a brutal yet decisive victory. Before the fall they controlled less than a third of the milky way, now over half. The Few Federation planets not under their control are being pummelled by the Invader armadas and hordes of monstrous creatures.
In an attempt to relieve the pressure, what remained of the Liberators, the organisation meant to be protecting the freedoms and liberties of all peoples, though "officially" disbanded gathered their remaining forces and by the rules of their codex "Went on their Calling". This Last stand failed to hold back the Invaders, instead the organisation was obliterated by the combined forces of the Invaders and Coalition, those that survived were put to death by firing squad.
Now the Guardant Empire and the United Systems Alliance have been forced to fight even harder and stretch their front lines to breaking point. The Alliance has had to come to the aid of many planets, as they try to assist surviving loyalists forces in the Galaxy.
<Location: Scaleon- home world of the Durk
Commander: Komodo Gaul- Commandant of Alliance Marine Corps
Mission: Assist Federal Forces in protecting evacuation point providing escape for civilians and military personnel.
Statues: Degrading- Invader and Coalition forces pushing on evacuation site- reports cannot hold
Request: Reinforcements- Approved
A great battleship orbited a desert world, the ship was truly immense it outmatched all of the more standard military vessels, its hull was strong and firm, bristling with weaponry of all kinds, along the length were also large and small hangar bays for all kinds of vehicles.
High up on the bridge was a defiant figure, standing tall looking over a large holographic map of the entire milky way galaxy. He gave a firm order "Captain get the ship under way".
An Anubian warrior stepped forward upon the bridge "You heard the General.... get the Sonic drive fired up... and pilots to your stations".
Deep within the depths of the ships, soldiers, sailors and engineers ran back and forth through the various hallways and corridors to their battle stations. Gunners manned the multiple batteries and cannons that stuck out through protective shields, the Engineers either stood too ready to repair any damage that might come or manned the mechanisms that reloaded the weapons and shields of the ships multiple batteries.
In the Hangars however, pilots with began fitting their helmets and emergency equipment as they all ran for their fighters and bombers, engineers and flight mechanics worked to prepare the vessels for combat, ensuring they are all properly powered up, Weapons given either a full charge or bomb bays filled to capacity. Over the sound of the ruckus came a continuous announcement "All personnel to your stations.... All Personnel to your stations.... Pilots to your ships.... We have been redirected to Scaleon..... Good luck to you all"
On the the planet of Scaleon, a planet torn in war and chaos. The only place that was even partially holding out against the onrushing tide of Invaders was the capital city of Patria. Even then it was a losing battle, what remained of the Durk army was still trying to hold the line on their home world. But all they were now defending was the last Evacuation site, all the while their city burned, great fires lighting up the night sky.
Somewhere in the chaos was the Evacuation site, the tallest building in the entire city, which was formerly a shuttle port, with multiple landing pads scattered across the hundreds of levels and balcony's yet nearly the entire upper levels were burning or were completely gone, each pad shuttles of all sizes coming and going, smaller ones which were solely troop transports plus larger and more bulky transports which would normally carry heavy armour and weapons into battle. Previously the tower would have been draped in the banners of the Durk peoples yet now on every open space and balcony had soldiers firing their weapons into the night sky or down upon the battlefield surrounding them. Spread out across the many standing levels were larger heavy cannons which fired constantly into the air trying to keep the shuttles safe from Invader and Coalition fighters, whilst also trying to support the ground troops by keeping the bombers off their backs.
Every second counted for these people, of the soldiers of both the Alliance (Consisting of troops from different species and races) and Durk some did not even bother to properly protect themselves, taking positions which gave them defence no they just stood upon the balcony's firing their laser bolts into the enemy. For every second they could keep the enemy back, the more people could escape the planet.
Deep within the shaking and crumbling tower a tired, battered and bruised Komodo Gaul, Commandant of the Alliance 1st Marines tried to allow himself a moment of peace, letting his eyes slowly droop until they fully closed. But in times such as this, pleasantries like sleep are very rare luxuries to find, for just as he nearly drifted off a shout came into his ear through his com link.
"The evac site is being hit hard sir, were less than 29% complete and were barely holding" a voice came. "Alpha and Bravo battalion are unable to hold off any longer, Charlies being overrun if even one breaks the perimeter we have around the tower will collapse"
"Tell James that he needs to get us some air support" Komodo grumbled. Pulling himself up from his sitting chair, pulling his heavy Calibre weapon, stretching the strap across his head and around his shoulder, he moved up. Through endless corridors filled with people awaiting their turn to be evacuated, families, children all crying, Komodo moved past them all as they watched him closely, coming to a long flight of stairs both up and down he began to descend.
He only ended when he was greeted by a great gaping hole in the building, which he knew was meant to be the lobby of the whole tower, yet now it was nothing more than a collection of shattered boulders and burned girders, bodies covered the floor none had come to collect them, but he did allow himself a moment of respect after all many of these young marines were people he had known, trained personally. But beyond them were the burning fields that had once decorated the city, either covered in broken pieces of metal from walkers and tanks, or barbed wire. Stepping over the corpses of his comrades Komodo finally entered the battle.
"Komodo its James" a familiar voice Komodo recognised it to be true it was his old friend James Luck, "We've got nothing left.... everything ship I have is protecting the transports....." A pause came as Komodo attempted to support his marines in the fight spraying laser bolts from his weapon, before sending them hand signals to come and back him up.
"Armour 2.4 we need you to divert a walker tank our way to provide cover" Komodo order over his com the reply was simple.
"Only got one left sir... sending it your way... but no promises if it gets there" It never did, Komodo could see as he moved forward, the large Crab like walker collapsing from the amount of fire it was taking.
"Komodo" he heard on the communicator "Thermal scans show Coalition troops using long range rockets on the fifth floor of the Patriarchal building"
"I got em" He shouted back through the speaker on his neck "Second Platoon push on the Patriarchal"
"Komodo... I can't give you much but I've got something special... I'm sending 'im down to help" He heard once more from James from the com. "He'll set down atop the Patriarchal and move down to meet you on the southwest corner.... that's where the rockets are".
Komodo gave the signal, "Everyone move up.... get the hell out of this killzone" he shouted, ordering the troops towards the building ahead of them, once the centre of all governance of the Durk peoples now it was barely a ruin, a building with floors missing, walls crumbling and fires burning and firing from almost every window were human traitors.
The Alliance marines pushed forwards, many falling as they tried to move from crater to crater. The platoon of 15 soon became a squad of 5 including Komodo Gaul himself, as he looked back at the open crated ground they had crossed, to see the tall monument and transports fleeing, all he could truly notice were the countless bodies and burning Walkers and tanks that were his Marines.
With anger and fear in his eyes he pressed onward, pushing through rooms and corridors over the bodies of fallen Alliance Marines and Durk fighters, he and his squad fought on, trying to get to the missile users in the south west. Turning southwest they found their way up, a crumbled piece of floor had created a ramp from the ground floor straight up to the fifth and even better it was leading to the corner they needed.
"This is Echo company.... we're being overrun, we're pulling back to checkpoint 3" Komodo picked up on his com, as well as many others. "Same problem here with Charlie sir", "Goddamn it.... how long does it take to load a transport I've lost 50 men already"
"Their Lighting us up like a firestorm"
"We can't hold the Evac site"
Komodo knew what he was hearing, they were losing the planet of his birth, and not just his, the entire culture and civilisation of the Durk peoples was born on this ever changing world. six thousand years of unity and determination was being burned away.
But then a flash ahead, through a hole in the wall he saw and heard humans, many humans using long rocket like tubes. "the Missile launches" he whispered, raising his fist to halt. The few Marines with him ceased their advance "Alright listen in... we're gonna take out those traitors and turn the missiles on their on". The Marines all smiled and nodded, they liked the idea, if the missiles were causing so much damage, why not turn them away from the transports and use them to protect and buy time.
As they slowly took up positions peeking through every hole in the walls and two by the only actual door into the corner room, they readied themselves, from their positions they could see what the enemy was targeting, firing out of the building from the missing corner wall which created a gaping hole they saw the missiles weren't going to those defending the evac site but the transports themselves. But it was Komodo who made the first shot, pulling a shotgun off his back, he stood up and shouted "HEY ASS-HOLES!" before unleashing every shot within his pump action, the signal was clear and the marines followed firing relentlessly against the human traitors within the one room, They only stopped when they were sure they were all dead.
Komodo was the first to pick up a missile launcher, it was big and heavy, the power cell was huge as well, so big it couldn't be inserted into the launcher but had to be fixed onto the back of the firing tube. Looking about them, they saw they were sitting on a munitions stock pile dozens of missile heads and dozens of large power cells. "Grab some missile heads" he ordered Taking a knee. One of his Marines got the message, a human male knelt down next to him, picking up a missile head and fixing it at the firing point of the long tube (opposite side of the power cell). Komodo looked through the targeting sight and saw how it worked, thermal imaging. Selecting his target, an pack of Invader Goliath's firing upon the defenders, he squeezed the trigger and with an immense swoosh the missile head shot out and towards its target. A few seconds later the impact was plain to see, as the Goliath's were thrown upwards and outwards, from the sheer force of the blast, it shocked them all at first but they understood these missiles were meant for bringing down big transports that were heavily armoured.
Time and time again they fired their procured arsenal of missiles, and hearing the cheers on the com from the Marines defending the evacuation site. But after no more than a few minutes a different firmer voice came shouting "CONTACT REAR!" they turned around and saw through the holes and doorway that they had ambushed the previous occupants. They saw Invaders grunts pushing forward firing their plasma rifles again and again snarling as they charged, Komodo gave his order "You three hold them as long as you can" the three selected marines nodded and took up defensive positions, "You keep loading this launcher".
For several minutes they kept fighting, the marines tried to hold the enemy back as Komodo bought time for the evacuation.
At least until another voice came
High above the planet aboard the bridge of the A.C.S Unity James finally got the news he had wanted for countless hours, "Sir" a young officer came running to him "the last of the transports are safely aboard sir".
James nodded, turned to the communications and gave his orders "All Alliance personnel, the evacuation is complete, I repeat the evacuation is complete"
He looked away for a second to a view on the ground, a thermal image of the battle around the site, and he saw what he feared, surrounding the Patriarchal building. "KOMODO CAN YOU HEAR ME!"
Still fighting hard, Komodo had gone through nearly every missile and power cell the stockpile had available, all the while the marines around him were running dangerously low on ammo "yeah I hear ya"
"Good listen... you've done a good job protecting the evac site now get your ass out of there.." James ordered over the com
"What!" the reply came
James grew frustrated, he always knew Komodo was a fighter tooth and nail, but he never thought of him this suicidal "Komodo your endanger of being overrun...... scans show well over fifty plus foot mobiles closing in on your position"
Still Komodo kept firing his missiles "Komodo this is not a request... get the hell out of their now..... Scaleon is lost...... to all Alliance Personnel.... evacuate order April..... I repeat Evacuate order April....everyone disengage and get the hell out of...... what the..... CCCCCOOVVVVEERRRR" Komodo was halted by the sound, he could hear James giving orders but then him shouting but then only static.
But the order had been heard by the rest of the Marines, all across the line the marines fled the trenches, all of them running for their lives to get to the evac site. "PULL BACK", "RETREAT" "GET TO THE EVAC SITE GO!".
But Komodo was concerned with something else, what had happened to James, "James... " no answer "James" still nothing, "if you can hear me.... we're heading to the roof" looking to his marines he gave the order "Get to the roof now.... we're pulling out" they heeded their Commandant and began to pull away from the fight, as they passed windows they could see invader and coalition forces charging forwards. And far ahead of them he could plainly see the Alliance Marines and Durk Militias running for their lives, all of them either sprinting through the trenches or pulling themselves out of them, abandoning heavy weapons and munitions, they all understood what Evacuate order April meant, in the plainest terms it literally meant "Get the hell out"
Through twists and turns Komodo called on help "Are there any Alliance troops in the Patriarchal....".
"Commandant Gaul, this is NEO... I am here, got three Hellerick Guardians with me.... we've got a transport on the roof we'll meet you there" a very automated voice replied.
Through multiple twists and turns, the finally found a stair case leading up to the roof, but as they got closer and closer to the last level, rumbles began to shake the stairs and building, until just as they saw the door to the roof, the ceiling collapsed, Komodo was leading the sprint to the transport, but as he turned to see the ceiling collapse he felt the stairs below him buckle and tumble down. Grabbing onto the only solid chunk of metal by the wall grabbing the closet marine as they fell. Now dangling for their lives, Komodo gripping the wall and the marine gripping Komodos hand, they could only watch as the others fell to their deaths.
Komodo could feel his strength wane as his muscles burned from holding both his weight and the marine below. Just as his grasp seemed to slip a metal hand grabbed it. Looking up to the fire lit sky he saw the saviour, a robot.
The Robot had a was the size of a human but more muscular, it had a small head that was longer with the head reaching back and slightly forwards, with a single light where the eyes would be. "Up you get sir" it spoke in the same slightly automated voice Komodo heard over the radio.
It pulled the pair of them up like they were weightless, behind it was the answer to their salvation a heavily armoured and swift Guardian Transport, "Time we got outta here sir... Hunters are closing in... like its the all you can eat buffet" Was that a joke the robot just made, not like any android he had ever heard.
They all piled onto the transport and felt the surge as it pulled away, looking down Komodo could see the capital city of his people burning, but saw a small silver lining as he witnessed dozens of transports pull away from the evac site, he still had some marines still alive. But it could not stop him feeling guilty, for the loss of his home world.
Turning to his saviour he wanted answers "So what the fuck are you?" he asked.
The Android stepped up "Well sir thats simple.... I'm a robot.... well more specifically I'm Neo...... NANO ENHANCED OPERATIVE" Komodo had no idea what that meant, "well sir... General Luck says I'm the offspring of KAI the AI he has in his mind.... I've got nano mite enhanced adapting armour of a droid, but also the enhanced intellect, quick reflexes and hacking systems of an AI"
Komodo just simply nodded, still not understanding a word of what he was saying, Neo could see this, and mimicked a sigh "Well in the simplest term sir... I'm a prototype robot, that acts more like an organic"
Finally Komodo got "a robot that thinks like an organic... fuck... I'm out a job"
The Battle was lost, as the last of the transports crash landed onto the hangar bays of the Unity and other ships, the order was given to commence sub sonic jump. One by one they made their escape back to friendly space.
The Unity was the last to leave being the largest of all the ships in the combined fleet, James had given strict orders for his flagship to provide cover for the less capable ships. Pushing through the blockading Coalition and Invaders cruisers, every gun and battery firing constantly like broadsides of cannons from each side of the Unity's hull. Fighters and Bombers scrambled to return as the Unity pushed through, some did not even properly lower their landing gear instead choosing to just swush into the hangers and dropping onto the decks.
But Komodo had another thought on his mind, his friend James Luck, he frog marched it straight for the bridge, to find it in chaos, computer systems were spitting electrical sparks, medics were helping wounded, and most of all, the windows of the bridge were sealed shut with the blast shields, one of the windows though had a massive crack in it. Just dangling in front of him though, where the commander on deck would stand was a single electrical wire, spitting again and again little flicks of electricity.
"Where is General Luck?" he demanded, they all looked to him wounded and all, one of the medics gave a simple reply "his quarters sir" Komodo heard it but before he darted off, questioned why the medic was being so upset about it. He understood that during his time James had become a well loved and respected leader among those he lead into battle so much so that one could say that they were all a family.
Finding the quarters of his friend, he found Crim terrified out of her skin, her red iris eyes covered in tears that ran down her cheeks, seeing each other they embraced, Komodo was even more afraid, he had the growing fear that inside his friend was dead, but then the door opened and the leading medical officer came out with a robotics technician.
Crim pulled out of the hug and stood directly in their path "Its not good Crim" the medical officer stated.
The technician stepped forward to explain, "When that wire struck his head, it sent a massive amount of electrical energy through his brain, and while the Nano mites have healed the brain itself..... there is one thing they won't touch though..... the optical nerves of both eyes.... I'm sorry but... he'll never be able to see through them"
Crim heard and wanted to push through them, but they held her back, "But.... but... Crim.... Kai has been able to figure something" this stopped her from pushing through "Now he won't see through his eyes, but he will be able to see through her... Kai sends out minuet sub sonic pulses to build a picture around James, like sonar.... well he will be able to see via this"
She didn't care though, but this time they didn't stop her from pushing, she darted into the room and there he was lying on their bed. Their quarters were larger than most, but this was due to James being partially synthetic, to help him sleep he would lay down and mechanical arms would come down from above to remove his left and leg, and then reattach them when he required too.
But there he was lying in the middle of the bed, with only his right arm and leg, because his synthetic side was removed so they could be properly repaired. She could see him, now lying beneath the covers on his back, his dark hair messy and a bandage rapped around his eyes, both organic and synthetic. She didn't care she just wanted to be with him, climbing up on their bed she embedded herself next to him, left leg over his right , whilst the other was stretched back.
Slowly James began to feel around at first, with his right hand her felt the softness of her hair, then the smoothness of her cheeks and the moisture of her tears. Then slowly a picture began to appear before him, even though the pulses were there it was like he was seeing them through his own eyes, seeing her was so different, seeing his wife, the love of his life, his soul mate was different, he could see her but could not properly tell what the colour of her skin was nor her hair or even her eyes. Stroking her cheek steadily with purpose he moved his thumb across her skin wiping away the dampness of the tears trail and head.
And with a grown in his voice but the clearest emotion he uttered a single sentence "I wish.... I could see you"
[ Alliance Military report 22978
General Komodo Gaul reporting
The Durk home-world of Scaleon has fallen to the Invader forces and their Coalition allies
We held out for as long as we could however the enemies overwhelming numbers made an effective defence suicidal. Alliance Marines alongside our forces in orbit under General Luck were able to evacuate the majority of the planets population however the battle was a brutal defeat for our forces in the sector.
Alliance forces are pulling back to Megavon for resupply and medical assistance for the wounded, among which is General Luck. Who received extreme injuries to his face most notably his eyes, I am sad to say that General Luck is now naturally blind in both eyes, however the medical and engineering team alongside the Generals Artificial Intelligence have manged to create a means for him to visualise through the technology within his artificial eye.
Alliance Military report 22979
General Lionel Kirtsch reporting
The planet of Felix has completely fallen under the occupation of the Invaders once again, it is with sadness that our fleet had no choice but to pull out of orbit before an effective evacuation could begin, the Felis peoples are from what we have been able to ascertain from communications are reforming guerrilla operations across the planet.
Overall Alliance Command reports
All Alliance forces are to fall back immediately to defensive positions along the Amerathan line, all Federation planets are to be abandoned so that we can defend the home front from the Invader armadas that are pressing upon our borders.
Standing orders are such as soon as General Luck and the 1st alliance battle-group are resupplied and reinforced they are ordered to the Coran colony of Coral Danal where the two species are currently set in a state of war over which side they shall side with in the overall Galactic Conflict.
Galactic Species files:
Coran:
A race of shark like beings that require water to breath, so it is for this reason that their participation in council meetings is short. They have only an hour in which they can leave water, do what they must do and then return before they suffocate. However some use specially made breathing apparatus that filter water and the particles they need to breathe around their gills.
Their home world of Aqua Vida, is a planet that has almost no land formations, the only land are small islets that hold no life. All life on their planet lives in the sea, they have built great cities amongst the colourful corral and rock formations that surround the islets.
Their primary source of income is a type of mineral that is constant Replenished and can only be mined from the very depths of the underwater mega trenches that are common on their world.
Due to their underwater existence they are also unable to walk, and instead use miniature anti-gravity devices that lift them a metre off the floor, and use their tail fins to push them forward.
All of their war ships are built in the design of a shark, with the heavy cannons being held on the fins at the front, and engines held in the tail fin. But when it comes to ground warfare they prefer to use their technological advantage, they use a variety of androids which come in multiple forms and shapes, large crab like tanks and more humanoid infantry units.
For the species itself however they have adapted a form of Laser canons which are very precise in their aiming and targeting, which operate and activate by neural electrical signals sent from the brain via tech connections. This in water allows the Coran to fight their own battles with both more modern weapons and their traditional teeth.
The Danal:
A very extreme and violent species of sentient life, the Danal are extremely dangerous in every variation of the word.
The Danal are the original inhabitants of the Coral Danal, they are a humanoid race of aquatic beings who are famed throughout the Galaxy for their xenophobia. They are humanoids with extensive carapace armoured skins that is very strong with a series of bone extrusions that connect with webbing extensions on their arms, legs and even the back of their heads which aid them in swimming incredibly fast, so fast that some say that they are faster than propeller backpacks that modern militaries use in ocean warfare.
Their bodies are strongly adapted to the depths of the oceans that make up their planet. Primarily carnivorous they are believed to feed on the many species of fish and crustaceans that they share their world with, this carnivorous lifestyle has lead to them evolving both strong muscles in their jaws as well as razor sharp teeth, these teeth are so sharp that there have been examples of them being able to bite through even armour plating.
The origins of their Xenophobia is primarily looked on by the slave raids committed by both pirates and the Guardant Empire during their expansive years. Due to their strength and brutality, the Imperial Army of the Empire wanted to try and use the Danal as a form of living weapons, since the Guardant never were able to effectively fight on ocean worlds they planned on using the Danal in their place, however they found the Danal were more sentient that they had originally anticipated being able to form a unified front against their attempts.
However when the Guardant were driven back, the Coran took the Danal homeworld as theirs, and since have established a colony in the shallows of the planets reefs. Since then the Danal have lived in the deepest depths of the planet, where they have become a constant annoyance for the Coran colonists with continous raids and uprisings in attempt to drive the colonists off their world. There have been times when the United Systems Alliance requested that the colonists abandon the Danal to their own devices so that they can live peacefully and continue on the path of the future at their own pace.
Mission report: Coral Danal
The indeginous Danal have always been a continous nuisance for the Coran colonists, however their attacks have always been minor in comparison to the current onslaught, instead of simple lightning raids they sow fear and uncertainty among the colonists to ensure they keep away from the Danals ocean depths.
This attack is all out, the Danal have amassed themselves into large armies and are using swarm tactics to overwhelm the Coran defence systems that surround their cities. As of yet there has been no word from the cities already lost, it is feared that the Danal have killed everyone inside them.
As of this moment only Kinchana city is still holding.
General Luck your orders are to reinforce the Kinchana defence perimeter and aid the Coran Colonists. We cannot lose Coral Danal and its resources, worse still is if we lose the planet then we shall have to move CODENAME:SANCTUARY to an alternate location further from the front line.
James was still trying to learn to use his eyes once again, everything was strange yes he could see but everything was off slightly, certain things he knew and had looked at hundreds of times were off slightly the system was not perfected yet. But what hit him the most was that he could not see in colour, everything was only shaped not coloured, he couldn't see the shade of the metal on the walls or the paleness of the sheets on his and Crims bed, he could not truly see Crim, the colour of her skin, the redness of her hair or even the beauty he had loved in her eyes. Then of course in his mind was that he would never truly see his daughter ever again, he could hold her and look at her but he would never truly see her.
Meanwhile Crim was making her opinions known, walking straight up to the big and tough Komodo Gaul and slapping him across his scared face. "AAAH" he yelped "That bloody hurt Crim"
"believe me if I wanted to make it hurt you would have said aah" she sternly uttered through her teeth "Because of your bloody gun hoe attitude James is blind.... how does that feel?"
Komodo didn't know how to answer "I was fighting.... isn't that what we're all doing.... huh fighting"
Crim pushed closer now staring barely inches from his face, with every person on the bridge watching closely "Sometimes fighting means more than fucking blowing things up with a rocket launcher"
Then a croaked voice far the entrance "Komodo was fighting for his home Crim" they all swiveled in the place and saw James leaning upon the doorway of the automatic double metal blast doors, he looked like he was out of breath and weak from the manner in which he leaned his open palm of his right hand gripping the metal of the door, his breathing heavy and his body slouched. "I can remember that you fought with savagery to save yours"
Crim ran straight over to help her husband, placing her hands upon his left shoulder "James you should be resting"
"Can't we have orders" he muttered "We've been ordered to Coral Danal... to ensure the world doesn't fall and so we don't lose Sanctuary"
Komodo fixated his focus on one word "Sanctuary?" he questioned
James looked up with blank eyes "Classified I'm afraid... Captain prepare the fleet for Sonic jump, get us to Coral Danal"
The captain, an anubian proudly stepped up and took command of the bridge "You heard the General... lets get the fleet underway" the bridge crew began to attain their duties, running back and forth to their stations so that they could focus their efforts "Helmsmen bring the ship around..... charge up the Sonic Drive..... General... I mean no disrespect when I say this but..... it will take many hours to get there perhaps you should get some rest"
"He's right James lets get you back to our room and in bed" Crim interrupted Komodo gave them a crooked look "Get your head out of our bedroom shot arse"
"Gods above.... you misfire your pistol once and suddenly your shot arse" Komodo joked, remembering the one time when he accidentally shot himself in the arse with a pistol strapped on his backside.
"Wait Komodo I think you need to know the secret of sanctuary" James paused, gesturing Komodo with his head to follow.
Once safely in James and Crims quarters, and once James had been coerced onto their bed to rest slightly, he finally gave them the details "Sanctuary is this" opening his left eye to unleash a holographic image. The image was a space station, of good length vertically, with rings encircling it, gun ports along these rings as well as docking ports, dry docks for repairing and supply hangars.
"A space station?" Komodo muttered
"None like any around.... its mobile" James uttered under his breath "It bears a powerful sonic quantum drive... strong enough to move from system to system....."
"Allowing it to be close enough to the front to support the fleet without putting at risk" Crim interrupted.
"Its currently placed at.... Coral Danal" continued James "If the world falls to the Invaders and their allies then we may lose Sanctuary..... without Sanctuary there'll be no where for the fleets to repair or resupply this close to the front"
"So without Sanctuary.... they'll have to go into the heart of Alliance space to do so..... without the fleets the ground forces wouldn't be able to hold the outer systems..." Komodo muttered "Any news on Furface"
James paused for a moment, "he and the Rangers had to abandon Felix, its hit him hard"
"Can't blame the furry bastard... No one likes losing to the Invaders" Komodo Interrupted.
Crim took the focus on the trio "Komodo, the Felis had only just managed to liberate their world"
"So Lionel has had to watch the fall of his world a second time around" James continued "And he feels responsible.... for those who couldn't leave" Komodo looked with bewilderment, "Lionel entered the fight with three battle cruisers, a battleship, two carrier and several Felis raider class frigates.... he'll be meeting us with no more than One carrier and three Raider frigates..... he lost over 80% of his force".
Komodo now understood what he was feeling, remorse. He had lost his world yes, but his planet wasn't the best in the Galaxy, Lionel on the other hand had a beautiful world of enchanting forests, and he had to watch them all burn.
As the Sonic Drive began to power down, the fleet began to shoot out of slip space, first one, then two, then 8, until all were present and accounted for. Ahead of them orbiting the ocean world was Sanctuary a mega construction, built so that it resembled a pen solid tip to solid tip, with several branches extended out serving as docks and harbour for repairs.
James had expected to see a greater number of ships to be present, yet only one of the repairs docks was occupied, usually the station was filled with military ships coming and going, yet nothing.
"Comms officer" James shouted "Where's the Ranger Fleet?"
The officer paused before answering "Their already here sir", James couldn't believe it, there was only one ship a large carrier, he was the under the information that others had successfully escaped Felix.
"Any response from the station" Crim asked
"Nothing Ma'am" The officer conferred "Not even their automated systems"
James was worried, not only for the fleet and the station. "Komodo, Crim find a Boarding party" he ordered
Crim was worried, "James we need to report in that the station is responding, we need to get out...." James just looked at her with empathy "I know you want to find out what happened to all the people on board, but We have other priorities"
"This isn't about finding Answers" He stated firmly "This is about finding our Friend"
Komodo nodded firmly leaving the bridge, the crew surrounding them took notice, they knew what that meant, James, Crim, Komodo and the new mech known as Neo were going to find only one thing of importance to them, Lionel Kirtsch.
Down within the hangar bay, Komodo was locked and loaded with dozens of his Marines ready to go, all of them strapped up with their strong armour and heavy weapons. Crim was set with her personal group of Hellerick Guardians, wearing their strong but more movable battle armour.
James was already inside the cockpit of a transport rearing to go, when Neo came up and questioned him "Sir.... I know what this means sir... but its too dangerous.... you've barely healed sir"
James ignored the drone, and shouted out "MOUNT UP!"
James didn't care he had already lost enough friends to this war, he wasn't losing another, because some bureaucrats.
To Be Continued......
Scattered across the long, high, strong wall were towers taller and stronger, on one point in the wall was an archway with a firm gate pulled up. And within the towers and along the walls were human soldiers, wearing black armour wielding powerful lazer point rifles. Flying high above them atop the towers were flags, with a blue background and a white line zigging sharply to form an imperfect triangle where the starting and finishing points do not properly meet. The flag of the Pro Human Collaborating government known as the Galactic Coalition, famed for putting humanity first and treating non humans as second class citizens.
Within the courtyard though, were people in chains, all of them in military uniforms of officers and soldiers.
In a long line stretching under the archway and the gate, all of them were their heads down in defeat, the insignia on their shoulders were the emblem of the Liberators. The Legendary group of people hell bent on protecting the freedoms and liberties of mankind, now defeated and humiliated.
The were pushed on by human troops on both sides, weapons readied to snuff out any resistance. They pushed them forward to a specific point, where groups were to be unchained from the line and pulled further ahead, to a point of open space, where a line of soldiers and a single officer were standing ready at the position of attention.
A group of Liberators were pulled up 10 of them to match the 10 soldiers at the ready, the stood facing them staring their enemy dead in the eye.
Then the orders came, "Ready Weapons" the coalition readied themselves, removing the safeties of their weapons. "Aim!" they all in unison took aim at their individual target.
"FIRE!" the shots rang out as the bodies fell.
"Attention" the firing squad stood too, rifles by their sides.
Another squad of coalition troops came running out and began to pull the bodies of human and alien liberator alike. Allowing another group to come forward, then another and another.
But then a face that every liberator there knew, Admiral Hirohito, Chief in Command of the Liberators and with him was an old friend of James Luck, Alexandro Tomas of the Federal Military were pulled up with 8 others, Both of them like all other were too in chains, bloodied and beaten like all the rest.
They stood in the middle of the other eight, staring the firing squad in the face.
But then without any fear, the Admiral began to whisper a small tune "Freedom Forgotten and Liberty abscondddeeedddd, as they bboouunnnd the shackles on our bbbboooonnnneeesss"
He took a breath and began to sing more loudly and clearly "Shhhoulld we fall.... Others, shall RISE!"
Soon others of the group most especially Alexandro Tomas joined "Toooo war..... all stand..... fight and hold the liinnnee Sttrrrooonngggg"
"Ready Weapons" an order came
Together as one they all shouted as they sang "Fffight ooonnnn" as soon the long line of prisoners to follow them joined in, by singing the Liberator anthem and remembrance lightly at first "Frrreeedom Fighters" but then with greater vigour "Nevvvveerrrr shall we Diieeee"
As one they showed the enemy they had no fear even as the order "Aim" was given, they continued to sing and even scare the guards around them as they stomping their feet and beat their chests in a show of courage, "RISE UP..... RISE TOGETHER...... FIGHT AAASSSS OUR BLOOD RRRRUNNNNSSSS"
In a small office overlooking the courtyard an officer came running to his commander "Sir... the prisoners, their singing Lord Magister"
A familiar face, hidden behind a blackened mask and bio suit, Lord Magister Krell, leader of the Invader forces in the milky way, turned to the watch them as he gave his answer "for the last time will this be heard"
"IIIIFFFF WE FALL........ MORE SHALL RISE!!!!!" The prisoners shouted aloud, as Alexandro looked once more to the firing squad to let them here the final message of the Liberators and more importantly, the message of the man who would bring their precious belief in humanities superiority down.
"NNNNNEEEVVVVERRRR SHALL WE DDDDDDDIIIIIIIIEEEEEE"
"FIRE!"
The last message of the Liberators was clear to all who heard it, the liberators may have fallen, they may have been defeated. But others shall rise to take their place, for they and others like them know the truth never shall dream die, nor shall those who believe in it, no tyrant, no occupier can ever truly defeat those who fight for the dream that is liberty and freedom.
Chapter 1:Hold the Line
The Federation had fallen, Lord Magister Krell with his unique intelligence in warfare had brought the Invaders and their Coalition allies a brutal yet decisive victory. Before the fall they controlled less than a third of the milky way, now over half. The Few Federation planets not under their control are being pummelled by the Invader armadas and hordes of monstrous creatures.
In an attempt to relieve the pressure, what remained of the Liberators, the organisation meant to be protecting the freedoms and liberties of all peoples, though "officially" disbanded gathered their remaining forces and by the rules of their codex "Went on their Calling". This Last stand failed to hold back the Invaders, instead the organisation was obliterated by the combined forces of the Invaders and Coalition, those that survived were put to death by firing squad.
Now the Guardant Empire and the United Systems Alliance have been forced to fight even harder and stretch their front lines to breaking point. The Alliance has had to come to the aid of many planets, as they try to assist surviving loyalists forces in the Galaxy.
<Location: Scaleon- home world of the Durk
Commander: Komodo Gaul- Commandant of Alliance Marine Corps
Mission: Assist Federal Forces in protecting evacuation point providing escape for civilians and military personnel.
Statues: Degrading- Invader and Coalition forces pushing on evacuation site- reports cannot hold
Request: Reinforcements- Approved
A great battleship orbited a desert world, the ship was truly immense it outmatched all of the more standard military vessels, its hull was strong and firm, bristling with weaponry of all kinds, along the length were also large and small hangar bays for all kinds of vehicles.
High up on the bridge was a defiant figure, standing tall looking over a large holographic map of the entire milky way galaxy. He gave a firm order "Captain get the ship under way".
An Anubian warrior stepped forward upon the bridge "You heard the General.... get the Sonic drive fired up... and pilots to your stations".
Deep within the depths of the ships, soldiers, sailors and engineers ran back and forth through the various hallways and corridors to their battle stations. Gunners manned the multiple batteries and cannons that stuck out through protective shields, the Engineers either stood too ready to repair any damage that might come or manned the mechanisms that reloaded the weapons and shields of the ships multiple batteries.
In the Hangars however, pilots with began fitting their helmets and emergency equipment as they all ran for their fighters and bombers, engineers and flight mechanics worked to prepare the vessels for combat, ensuring they are all properly powered up, Weapons given either a full charge or bomb bays filled to capacity. Over the sound of the ruckus came a continuous announcement "All personnel to your stations.... All Personnel to your stations.... Pilots to your ships.... We have been redirected to Scaleon..... Good luck to you all"
On the the planet of Scaleon, a planet torn in war and chaos. The only place that was even partially holding out against the onrushing tide of Invaders was the capital city of Patria. Even then it was a losing battle, what remained of the Durk army was still trying to hold the line on their home world. But all they were now defending was the last Evacuation site, all the while their city burned, great fires lighting up the night sky.
Somewhere in the chaos was the Evacuation site, the tallest building in the entire city, which was formerly a shuttle port, with multiple landing pads scattered across the hundreds of levels and balcony's yet nearly the entire upper levels were burning or were completely gone, each pad shuttles of all sizes coming and going, smaller ones which were solely troop transports plus larger and more bulky transports which would normally carry heavy armour and weapons into battle. Previously the tower would have been draped in the banners of the Durk peoples yet now on every open space and balcony had soldiers firing their weapons into the night sky or down upon the battlefield surrounding them. Spread out across the many standing levels were larger heavy cannons which fired constantly into the air trying to keep the shuttles safe from Invader and Coalition fighters, whilst also trying to support the ground troops by keeping the bombers off their backs.
Every second counted for these people, of the soldiers of both the Alliance (Consisting of troops from different species and races) and Durk some did not even bother to properly protect themselves, taking positions which gave them defence no they just stood upon the balcony's firing their laser bolts into the enemy. For every second they could keep the enemy back, the more people could escape the planet.
Deep within the shaking and crumbling tower a tired, battered and bruised Komodo Gaul, Commandant of the Alliance 1st Marines tried to allow himself a moment of peace, letting his eyes slowly droop until they fully closed. But in times such as this, pleasantries like sleep are very rare luxuries to find, for just as he nearly drifted off a shout came into his ear through his com link.
"The evac site is being hit hard sir, were less than 29% complete and were barely holding" a voice came. "Alpha and Bravo battalion are unable to hold off any longer, Charlies being overrun if even one breaks the perimeter we have around the tower will collapse"
"Tell James that he needs to get us some air support" Komodo grumbled. Pulling himself up from his sitting chair, pulling his heavy Calibre weapon, stretching the strap across his head and around his shoulder, he moved up. Through endless corridors filled with people awaiting their turn to be evacuated, families, children all crying, Komodo moved past them all as they watched him closely, coming to a long flight of stairs both up and down he began to descend.
He only ended when he was greeted by a great gaping hole in the building, which he knew was meant to be the lobby of the whole tower, yet now it was nothing more than a collection of shattered boulders and burned girders, bodies covered the floor none had come to collect them, but he did allow himself a moment of respect after all many of these young marines were people he had known, trained personally. But beyond them were the burning fields that had once decorated the city, either covered in broken pieces of metal from walkers and tanks, or barbed wire. Stepping over the corpses of his comrades Komodo finally entered the battle.
"Komodo its James" a familiar voice Komodo recognised it to be true it was his old friend James Luck, "We've got nothing left.... everything ship I have is protecting the transports....." A pause came as Komodo attempted to support his marines in the fight spraying laser bolts from his weapon, before sending them hand signals to come and back him up.
"Armour 2.4 we need you to divert a walker tank our way to provide cover" Komodo order over his com the reply was simple.
"Only got one left sir... sending it your way... but no promises if it gets there" It never did, Komodo could see as he moved forward, the large Crab like walker collapsing from the amount of fire it was taking.
"Komodo" he heard on the communicator "Thermal scans show Coalition troops using long range rockets on the fifth floor of the Patriarchal building"
"I got em" He shouted back through the speaker on his neck "Second Platoon push on the Patriarchal"
"Komodo... I can't give you much but I've got something special... I'm sending 'im down to help" He heard once more from James from the com. "He'll set down atop the Patriarchal and move down to meet you on the southwest corner.... that's where the rockets are".
Komodo gave the signal, "Everyone move up.... get the hell out of this killzone" he shouted, ordering the troops towards the building ahead of them, once the centre of all governance of the Durk peoples now it was barely a ruin, a building with floors missing, walls crumbling and fires burning and firing from almost every window were human traitors.
The Alliance marines pushed forwards, many falling as they tried to move from crater to crater. The platoon of 15 soon became a squad of 5 including Komodo Gaul himself, as he looked back at the open crated ground they had crossed, to see the tall monument and transports fleeing, all he could truly notice were the countless bodies and burning Walkers and tanks that were his Marines.
With anger and fear in his eyes he pressed onward, pushing through rooms and corridors over the bodies of fallen Alliance Marines and Durk fighters, he and his squad fought on, trying to get to the missile users in the south west. Turning southwest they found their way up, a crumbled piece of floor had created a ramp from the ground floor straight up to the fifth and even better it was leading to the corner they needed.
"This is Echo company.... we're being overrun, we're pulling back to checkpoint 3" Komodo picked up on his com, as well as many others. "Same problem here with Charlie sir", "Goddamn it.... how long does it take to load a transport I've lost 50 men already"
"Their Lighting us up like a firestorm"
"We can't hold the Evac site"
Komodo knew what he was hearing, they were losing the planet of his birth, and not just his, the entire culture and civilisation of the Durk peoples was born on this ever changing world. six thousand years of unity and determination was being burned away.
But then a flash ahead, through a hole in the wall he saw and heard humans, many humans using long rocket like tubes. "the Missile launches" he whispered, raising his fist to halt. The few Marines with him ceased their advance "Alright listen in... we're gonna take out those traitors and turn the missiles on their on". The Marines all smiled and nodded, they liked the idea, if the missiles were causing so much damage, why not turn them away from the transports and use them to protect and buy time.
As they slowly took up positions peeking through every hole in the walls and two by the only actual door into the corner room, they readied themselves, from their positions they could see what the enemy was targeting, firing out of the building from the missing corner wall which created a gaping hole they saw the missiles weren't going to those defending the evac site but the transports themselves. But it was Komodo who made the first shot, pulling a shotgun off his back, he stood up and shouted "HEY ASS-HOLES!" before unleashing every shot within his pump action, the signal was clear and the marines followed firing relentlessly against the human traitors within the one room, They only stopped when they were sure they were all dead.
Komodo was the first to pick up a missile launcher, it was big and heavy, the power cell was huge as well, so big it couldn't be inserted into the launcher but had to be fixed onto the back of the firing tube. Looking about them, they saw they were sitting on a munitions stock pile dozens of missile heads and dozens of large power cells. "Grab some missile heads" he ordered Taking a knee. One of his Marines got the message, a human male knelt down next to him, picking up a missile head and fixing it at the firing point of the long tube (opposite side of the power cell). Komodo looked through the targeting sight and saw how it worked, thermal imaging. Selecting his target, an pack of Invader Goliath's firing upon the defenders, he squeezed the trigger and with an immense swoosh the missile head shot out and towards its target. A few seconds later the impact was plain to see, as the Goliath's were thrown upwards and outwards, from the sheer force of the blast, it shocked them all at first but they understood these missiles were meant for bringing down big transports that were heavily armoured.
Time and time again they fired their procured arsenal of missiles, and hearing the cheers on the com from the Marines defending the evacuation site. But after no more than a few minutes a different firmer voice came shouting "CONTACT REAR!" they turned around and saw through the holes and doorway that they had ambushed the previous occupants. They saw Invaders grunts pushing forward firing their plasma rifles again and again snarling as they charged, Komodo gave his order "You three hold them as long as you can" the three selected marines nodded and took up defensive positions, "You keep loading this launcher".
For several minutes they kept fighting, the marines tried to hold the enemy back as Komodo bought time for the evacuation.
At least until another voice came
Chapter 2: NEO
High above the planet aboard the bridge of the A.C.S Unity James finally got the news he had wanted for countless hours, "Sir" a young officer came running to him "the last of the transports are safely aboard sir".
James nodded, turned to the communications and gave his orders "All Alliance personnel, the evacuation is complete, I repeat the evacuation is complete"
He looked away for a second to a view on the ground, a thermal image of the battle around the site, and he saw what he feared, surrounding the Patriarchal building. "KOMODO CAN YOU HEAR ME!"
Still fighting hard, Komodo had gone through nearly every missile and power cell the stockpile had available, all the while the marines around him were running dangerously low on ammo "yeah I hear ya"
"Good listen... you've done a good job protecting the evac site now get your ass out of there.." James ordered over the com
"What!" the reply came
James grew frustrated, he always knew Komodo was a fighter tooth and nail, but he never thought of him this suicidal "Komodo your endanger of being overrun...... scans show well over fifty plus foot mobiles closing in on your position"
Still Komodo kept firing his missiles "Komodo this is not a request... get the hell out of their now..... Scaleon is lost...... to all Alliance Personnel.... evacuate order April..... I repeat Evacuate order April....everyone disengage and get the hell out of...... what the..... CCCCCOOVVVVEERRRR" Komodo was halted by the sound, he could hear James giving orders but then him shouting but then only static.
But the order had been heard by the rest of the Marines, all across the line the marines fled the trenches, all of them running for their lives to get to the evac site. "PULL BACK", "RETREAT" "GET TO THE EVAC SITE GO!".
But Komodo was concerned with something else, what had happened to James, "James... " no answer "James" still nothing, "if you can hear me.... we're heading to the roof" looking to his marines he gave the order "Get to the roof now.... we're pulling out" they heeded their Commandant and began to pull away from the fight, as they passed windows they could see invader and coalition forces charging forwards. And far ahead of them he could plainly see the Alliance Marines and Durk Militias running for their lives, all of them either sprinting through the trenches or pulling themselves out of them, abandoning heavy weapons and munitions, they all understood what Evacuate order April meant, in the plainest terms it literally meant "Get the hell out"
Through twists and turns Komodo called on help "Are there any Alliance troops in the Patriarchal....".
"Commandant Gaul, this is NEO... I am here, got three Hellerick Guardians with me.... we've got a transport on the roof we'll meet you there" a very automated voice replied.
Through multiple twists and turns, the finally found a stair case leading up to the roof, but as they got closer and closer to the last level, rumbles began to shake the stairs and building, until just as they saw the door to the roof, the ceiling collapsed, Komodo was leading the sprint to the transport, but as he turned to see the ceiling collapse he felt the stairs below him buckle and tumble down. Grabbing onto the only solid chunk of metal by the wall grabbing the closet marine as they fell. Now dangling for their lives, Komodo gripping the wall and the marine gripping Komodos hand, they could only watch as the others fell to their deaths.
Komodo could feel his strength wane as his muscles burned from holding both his weight and the marine below. Just as his grasp seemed to slip a metal hand grabbed it. Looking up to the fire lit sky he saw the saviour, a robot.
The Robot had a was the size of a human but more muscular, it had a small head that was longer with the head reaching back and slightly forwards, with a single light where the eyes would be. "Up you get sir" it spoke in the same slightly automated voice Komodo heard over the radio.
It pulled the pair of them up like they were weightless, behind it was the answer to their salvation a heavily armoured and swift Guardian Transport, "Time we got outta here sir... Hunters are closing in... like its the all you can eat buffet" Was that a joke the robot just made, not like any android he had ever heard.
They all piled onto the transport and felt the surge as it pulled away, looking down Komodo could see the capital city of his people burning, but saw a small silver lining as he witnessed dozens of transports pull away from the evac site, he still had some marines still alive. But it could not stop him feeling guilty, for the loss of his home world.
Turning to his saviour he wanted answers "So what the fuck are you?" he asked.
The Android stepped up "Well sir thats simple.... I'm a robot.... well more specifically I'm Neo...... NANO ENHANCED OPERATIVE" Komodo had no idea what that meant, "well sir... General Luck says I'm the offspring of KAI the AI he has in his mind.... I've got nano mite enhanced adapting armour of a droid, but also the enhanced intellect, quick reflexes and hacking systems of an AI"
Komodo just simply nodded, still not understanding a word of what he was saying, Neo could see this, and mimicked a sigh "Well in the simplest term sir... I'm a prototype robot, that acts more like an organic"
Finally Komodo got "a robot that thinks like an organic... fuck... I'm out a job"
Chapter 3: I wish I could see you
The Battle was lost, as the last of the transports crash landed onto the hangar bays of the Unity and other ships, the order was given to commence sub sonic jump. One by one they made their escape back to friendly space.
The Unity was the last to leave being the largest of all the ships in the combined fleet, James had given strict orders for his flagship to provide cover for the less capable ships. Pushing through the blockading Coalition and Invaders cruisers, every gun and battery firing constantly like broadsides of cannons from each side of the Unity's hull. Fighters and Bombers scrambled to return as the Unity pushed through, some did not even properly lower their landing gear instead choosing to just swush into the hangers and dropping onto the decks.
But Komodo had another thought on his mind, his friend James Luck, he frog marched it straight for the bridge, to find it in chaos, computer systems were spitting electrical sparks, medics were helping wounded, and most of all, the windows of the bridge were sealed shut with the blast shields, one of the windows though had a massive crack in it. Just dangling in front of him though, where the commander on deck would stand was a single electrical wire, spitting again and again little flicks of electricity.
"Where is General Luck?" he demanded, they all looked to him wounded and all, one of the medics gave a simple reply "his quarters sir" Komodo heard it but before he darted off, questioned why the medic was being so upset about it. He understood that during his time James had become a well loved and respected leader among those he lead into battle so much so that one could say that they were all a family.
Finding the quarters of his friend, he found Crim terrified out of her skin, her red iris eyes covered in tears that ran down her cheeks, seeing each other they embraced, Komodo was even more afraid, he had the growing fear that inside his friend was dead, but then the door opened and the leading medical officer came out with a robotics technician.
Crim pulled out of the hug and stood directly in their path "Its not good Crim" the medical officer stated.
The technician stepped forward to explain, "When that wire struck his head, it sent a massive amount of electrical energy through his brain, and while the Nano mites have healed the brain itself..... there is one thing they won't touch though..... the optical nerves of both eyes.... I'm sorry but... he'll never be able to see through them"
Crim heard and wanted to push through them, but they held her back, "But.... but... Crim.... Kai has been able to figure something" this stopped her from pushing through "Now he won't see through his eyes, but he will be able to see through her... Kai sends out minuet sub sonic pulses to build a picture around James, like sonar.... well he will be able to see via this"
She didn't care though, but this time they didn't stop her from pushing, she darted into the room and there he was lying on their bed. Their quarters were larger than most, but this was due to James being partially synthetic, to help him sleep he would lay down and mechanical arms would come down from above to remove his left and leg, and then reattach them when he required too.
But there he was lying in the middle of the bed, with only his right arm and leg, because his synthetic side was removed so they could be properly repaired. She could see him, now lying beneath the covers on his back, his dark hair messy and a bandage rapped around his eyes, both organic and synthetic. She didn't care she just wanted to be with him, climbing up on their bed she embedded herself next to him, left leg over his right , whilst the other was stretched back.
Slowly James began to feel around at first, with his right hand her felt the softness of her hair, then the smoothness of her cheeks and the moisture of her tears. Then slowly a picture began to appear before him, even though the pulses were there it was like he was seeing them through his own eyes, seeing her was so different, seeing his wife, the love of his life, his soul mate was different, he could see her but could not properly tell what the colour of her skin was nor her hair or even her eyes. Stroking her cheek steadily with purpose he moved his thumb across her skin wiping away the dampness of the tears trail and head.
And with a grown in his voice but the clearest emotion he uttered a single sentence "I wish.... I could see you"
Chapter 4: The war goes badly
[ Alliance Military report 22978
General Komodo Gaul reporting
The Durk home-world of Scaleon has fallen to the Invader forces and their Coalition allies
We held out for as long as we could however the enemies overwhelming numbers made an effective defence suicidal. Alliance Marines alongside our forces in orbit under General Luck were able to evacuate the majority of the planets population however the battle was a brutal defeat for our forces in the sector.
Alliance forces are pulling back to Megavon for resupply and medical assistance for the wounded, among which is General Luck. Who received extreme injuries to his face most notably his eyes, I am sad to say that General Luck is now naturally blind in both eyes, however the medical and engineering team alongside the Generals Artificial Intelligence have manged to create a means for him to visualise through the technology within his artificial eye.
Alliance Military report 22979
General Lionel Kirtsch reporting
The planet of Felix has completely fallen under the occupation of the Invaders once again, it is with sadness that our fleet had no choice but to pull out of orbit before an effective evacuation could begin, the Felis peoples are from what we have been able to ascertain from communications are reforming guerrilla operations across the planet.
Overall Alliance Command reports
All Alliance forces are to fall back immediately to defensive positions along the Amerathan line, all Federation planets are to be abandoned so that we can defend the home front from the Invader armadas that are pressing upon our borders.
Standing orders are such as soon as General Luck and the 1st alliance battle-group are resupplied and reinforced they are ordered to the Coran colony of Coral Danal where the two species are currently set in a state of war over which side they shall side with in the overall Galactic Conflict.
Galactic Species files:
Coran:
A race of shark like beings that require water to breath, so it is for this reason that their participation in council meetings is short. They have only an hour in which they can leave water, do what they must do and then return before they suffocate. However some use specially made breathing apparatus that filter water and the particles they need to breathe around their gills.
Their home world of Aqua Vida, is a planet that has almost no land formations, the only land are small islets that hold no life. All life on their planet lives in the sea, they have built great cities amongst the colourful corral and rock formations that surround the islets.
Their primary source of income is a type of mineral that is constant Replenished and can only be mined from the very depths of the underwater mega trenches that are common on their world.
Due to their underwater existence they are also unable to walk, and instead use miniature anti-gravity devices that lift them a metre off the floor, and use their tail fins to push them forward.
All of their war ships are built in the design of a shark, with the heavy cannons being held on the fins at the front, and engines held in the tail fin. But when it comes to ground warfare they prefer to use their technological advantage, they use a variety of androids which come in multiple forms and shapes, large crab like tanks and more humanoid infantry units.
For the species itself however they have adapted a form of Laser canons which are very precise in their aiming and targeting, which operate and activate by neural electrical signals sent from the brain via tech connections. This in water allows the Coran to fight their own battles with both more modern weapons and their traditional teeth.
The Danal:
A very extreme and violent species of sentient life, the Danal are extremely dangerous in every variation of the word.
The Danal are the original inhabitants of the Coral Danal, they are a humanoid race of aquatic beings who are famed throughout the Galaxy for their xenophobia. They are humanoids with extensive carapace armoured skins that is very strong with a series of bone extrusions that connect with webbing extensions on their arms, legs and even the back of their heads which aid them in swimming incredibly fast, so fast that some say that they are faster than propeller backpacks that modern militaries use in ocean warfare.
Their bodies are strongly adapted to the depths of the oceans that make up their planet. Primarily carnivorous they are believed to feed on the many species of fish and crustaceans that they share their world with, this carnivorous lifestyle has lead to them evolving both strong muscles in their jaws as well as razor sharp teeth, these teeth are so sharp that there have been examples of them being able to bite through even armour plating.
The origins of their Xenophobia is primarily looked on by the slave raids committed by both pirates and the Guardant Empire during their expansive years. Due to their strength and brutality, the Imperial Army of the Empire wanted to try and use the Danal as a form of living weapons, since the Guardant never were able to effectively fight on ocean worlds they planned on using the Danal in their place, however they found the Danal were more sentient that they had originally anticipated being able to form a unified front against their attempts.
However when the Guardant were driven back, the Coran took the Danal homeworld as theirs, and since have established a colony in the shallows of the planets reefs. Since then the Danal have lived in the deepest depths of the planet, where they have become a constant annoyance for the Coran colonists with continous raids and uprisings in attempt to drive the colonists off their world. There have been times when the United Systems Alliance requested that the colonists abandon the Danal to their own devices so that they can live peacefully and continue on the path of the future at their own pace.
Mission report: Coral Danal
The indeginous Danal have always been a continous nuisance for the Coran colonists, however their attacks have always been minor in comparison to the current onslaught, instead of simple lightning raids they sow fear and uncertainty among the colonists to ensure they keep away from the Danals ocean depths.
This attack is all out, the Danal have amassed themselves into large armies and are using swarm tactics to overwhelm the Coran defence systems that surround their cities. As of yet there has been no word from the cities already lost, it is feared that the Danal have killed everyone inside them.
As of this moment only Kinchana city is still holding.
General Luck your orders are to reinforce the Kinchana defence perimeter and aid the Coran Colonists. We cannot lose Coral Danal and its resources, worse still is if we lose the planet then we shall have to move CODENAME:SANCTUARY to an alternate location further from the front line.
James was still trying to learn to use his eyes once again, everything was strange yes he could see but everything was off slightly, certain things he knew and had looked at hundreds of times were off slightly the system was not perfected yet. But what hit him the most was that he could not see in colour, everything was only shaped not coloured, he couldn't see the shade of the metal on the walls or the paleness of the sheets on his and Crims bed, he could not truly see Crim, the colour of her skin, the redness of her hair or even the beauty he had loved in her eyes. Then of course in his mind was that he would never truly see his daughter ever again, he could hold her and look at her but he would never truly see her.
Meanwhile Crim was making her opinions known, walking straight up to the big and tough Komodo Gaul and slapping him across his scared face. "AAAH" he yelped "That bloody hurt Crim"
"believe me if I wanted to make it hurt you would have said aah" she sternly uttered through her teeth "Because of your bloody gun hoe attitude James is blind.... how does that feel?"
Komodo didn't know how to answer "I was fighting.... isn't that what we're all doing.... huh fighting"
Crim pushed closer now staring barely inches from his face, with every person on the bridge watching closely "Sometimes fighting means more than fucking blowing things up with a rocket launcher"
Then a croaked voice far the entrance "Komodo was fighting for his home Crim" they all swiveled in the place and saw James leaning upon the doorway of the automatic double metal blast doors, he looked like he was out of breath and weak from the manner in which he leaned his open palm of his right hand gripping the metal of the door, his breathing heavy and his body slouched. "I can remember that you fought with savagery to save yours"
Crim ran straight over to help her husband, placing her hands upon his left shoulder "James you should be resting"
"Can't we have orders" he muttered "We've been ordered to Coral Danal... to ensure the world doesn't fall and so we don't lose Sanctuary"
Komodo fixated his focus on one word "Sanctuary?" he questioned
James looked up with blank eyes "Classified I'm afraid... Captain prepare the fleet for Sonic jump, get us to Coral Danal"
The captain, an anubian proudly stepped up and took command of the bridge "You heard the General... lets get the fleet underway" the bridge crew began to attain their duties, running back and forth to their stations so that they could focus their efforts "Helmsmen bring the ship around..... charge up the Sonic Drive..... General... I mean no disrespect when I say this but..... it will take many hours to get there perhaps you should get some rest"
"He's right James lets get you back to our room and in bed" Crim interrupted Komodo gave them a crooked look "Get your head out of our bedroom shot arse"
"Gods above.... you misfire your pistol once and suddenly your shot arse" Komodo joked, remembering the one time when he accidentally shot himself in the arse with a pistol strapped on his backside.
"Wait Komodo I think you need to know the secret of sanctuary" James paused, gesturing Komodo with his head to follow.
Once safely in James and Crims quarters, and once James had been coerced onto their bed to rest slightly, he finally gave them the details "Sanctuary is this" opening his left eye to unleash a holographic image. The image was a space station, of good length vertically, with rings encircling it, gun ports along these rings as well as docking ports, dry docks for repairing and supply hangars.
"A space station?" Komodo muttered
"None like any around.... its mobile" James uttered under his breath "It bears a powerful sonic quantum drive... strong enough to move from system to system....."
"Allowing it to be close enough to the front to support the fleet without putting at risk" Crim interrupted.
"Its currently placed at.... Coral Danal" continued James "If the world falls to the Invaders and their allies then we may lose Sanctuary..... without Sanctuary there'll be no where for the fleets to repair or resupply this close to the front"
"So without Sanctuary.... they'll have to go into the heart of Alliance space to do so..... without the fleets the ground forces wouldn't be able to hold the outer systems..." Komodo muttered "Any news on Furface"
James paused for a moment, "he and the Rangers had to abandon Felix, its hit him hard"
"Can't blame the furry bastard... No one likes losing to the Invaders" Komodo Interrupted.
Crim took the focus on the trio "Komodo, the Felis had only just managed to liberate their world"
"So Lionel has had to watch the fall of his world a second time around" James continued "And he feels responsible.... for those who couldn't leave" Komodo looked with bewilderment, "Lionel entered the fight with three battle cruisers, a battleship, two carrier and several Felis raider class frigates.... he'll be meeting us with no more than One carrier and three Raider frigates..... he lost over 80% of his force".
Komodo now understood what he was feeling, remorse. He had lost his world yes, but his planet wasn't the best in the Galaxy, Lionel on the other hand had a beautiful world of enchanting forests, and he had to watch them all burn.
Chapter 5: Mystery at Sanctuary
As they approached the planetary system of Coral Danal, the fleet was desperate several ships needed urgent repairs and those that didn't required reinforcing with fresh troops and pilots as well as being able to recharge their systems ready for the next battle, they all knew was close.As the Sonic Drive began to power down, the fleet began to shoot out of slip space, first one, then two, then 8, until all were present and accounted for. Ahead of them orbiting the ocean world was Sanctuary a mega construction, built so that it resembled a pen solid tip to solid tip, with several branches extended out serving as docks and harbour for repairs.
James had expected to see a greater number of ships to be present, yet only one of the repairs docks was occupied, usually the station was filled with military ships coming and going, yet nothing.
"Comms officer" James shouted "Where's the Ranger Fleet?"
The officer paused before answering "Their already here sir", James couldn't believe it, there was only one ship a large carrier, he was the under the information that others had successfully escaped Felix.
"Any response from the station" Crim asked
"Nothing Ma'am" The officer conferred "Not even their automated systems"
James was worried, not only for the fleet and the station. "Komodo, Crim find a Boarding party" he ordered
Crim was worried, "James we need to report in that the station is responding, we need to get out...." James just looked at her with empathy "I know you want to find out what happened to all the people on board, but We have other priorities"
"This isn't about finding Answers" He stated firmly "This is about finding our Friend"
Komodo nodded firmly leaving the bridge, the crew surrounding them took notice, they knew what that meant, James, Crim, Komodo and the new mech known as Neo were going to find only one thing of importance to them, Lionel Kirtsch.
Down within the hangar bay, Komodo was locked and loaded with dozens of his Marines ready to go, all of them strapped up with their strong armour and heavy weapons. Crim was set with her personal group of Hellerick Guardians, wearing their strong but more movable battle armour.
James was already inside the cockpit of a transport rearing to go, when Neo came up and questioned him "Sir.... I know what this means sir... but its too dangerous.... you've barely healed sir"
James ignored the drone, and shouted out "MOUNT UP!"
James didn't care he had already lost enough friends to this war, he wasn't losing another, because some bureaucrats.
Chapter 6: Darkness is the Key
They boarded up onto the transport and shot off into space, first searching for answers outside the station. From what they could see there was no sign of any damage, nor battle, the station was in perfect working order and yet there was nothing going on, the docks would usually have engineers floating around on them, the gun and missile turrets would be on a constant swivel yet they didn't move an inch.
"There" James pointed out onto the hull, showing a open hanger door with the pressure shields up" We can land in there"
The transport came about slowly with the lights up and weapons readied, as they came into the lit up hangar bay. Yet again just like outside the hangar was immaculate except that there was no one around. James pulled himself out of his seat "Alright listen up.... Marines your gonna stay here and keep this hangar secure...."
"HHHHOORRAAAHH" They shouted
"Crim, Komod, Neo your with me... we're gonna head to the Central control, find out what happened"
With a great "clang!!" the Transport came to a spot and lowered the ramp "GO...GO....GO" Komodo shouted, as the Marines stormed out weapons readied.
James no caring about the military style of movement, cover to cover or watching every step, he just walked through the hangar towards the semi open door in the far corner. He suddenly paused, seeing something with the gap of the doors two sliding panels, kneeling down he pressed his finger into a liquid and he realised "Blood.... the Station was attacked"
This upped the ante, as they all readied themselves again, because they knew that for the station to be empty then there must be a great enemy force within the corridors and rooms that made the stations interior.
Slowly they steadily entered the interior, each step taking carefully and purposefully, as if each step could decide whether they were to live or die. James walked on without a care, his new sight allowing him greater clarity, noticing that certain corridors were barricaded with all kinds of items and crates, either to block the corridor completely or to provide cover for firing.
When they finally reached the command, they found a slaughter, Felis rangers, marines of all species and support personnel laying across the room, their bodies bloody and cut to shreds, yet they all had weapons in their hands, weapon power cells covering the floor, each one showing the low charge light. "They went down Fighting" Komodo commented proudly, they all understood why, he had always claimed that if he was to die, it would be weapon in hand and a pile of dead Invaders around him.
"Kai... checked the systems.... any answers or survivors" James asked, placing his right hand over the central panel. Within a second the panel showed life as a holographic image was produced.
"I've found something.... it seems that the ship we saw inside the docks, was in fact captured, packed within enemy forces and then let loose" Kai explained, "When the ship was brought here however, the invaders waited until there were no other vessels nearby.... then they revealed themselves and overwhelmed all on board...." James was shattered he was hoping for anything, that could help them find the real reason they were here.
"Wait.... I've got something.... its feint.... it seems to be a signal of some kind" Kai paused "Got it.. playing now"
"To any and all Alliance forces.... Sanctuary has fallen to the Invaders..... they have.... us..... do not .....approach....station...... stay away" They all knew that voice, Lionel Kirtsch, he was alive.
"Kai do a full bio scan find.... him" James ordered
"Already done.... he's above you in the vents", suddenly the vent panel above came crashing down, striking Komodo on his head.
When standing before them was Lionel Kirtsch, beaten, bloodied and bruised wearing tattered pieces of armour and no weapon of any kind. He looked like he hadn't slept in days, his fur was messy covered in Invader blood. Lionel in a fit of shock and love just fell to his knees as Crim ran up and hugged him tightly, his eyes emptying the thousands of tears that had been building up for who knows how long.
Chapter 7: Hangar Trap
"Lionel" Komodo tried to question "Lionel.... what happened"
Lionel paused for a moment still on his knees, "I failed to protect... Felix... I failed to protect my rangers.... I FAILED!" he shouted... taking a moment he regained himself "When we left Felix we were beaten.. s".
"We got here as ordered... found the station empty...... we boarded and found that they had overrun the station.... everyone was dead..... then they came for us"
"Those that survived, established ourselves here, thinking if we could, make a safe haven here, we could start to work on taking back the station piece by piece"
Komodo interrupted "But they broke through before you could organise yourselves" Lionel just nodded his head.
"Been fighting ever since.... days without sleep, rationing what little food I can salvage..... laying traps across the station..... I planned a back up plan.... that if the station can't be retaken then... I'd destroy it"
James caught on "How?"
Lionel smiled "Explosives at certain locations.... reactors for one.... but I already tried and failed, the reactors make any electronic system dead" He smiled even stronger "So I made another plan..... to weed out the numbers, by drawing them into the Hangars where I'd lock them bastards in then open the doors.... And it works... in small numbers"
"What if there was a lot of people making a lot of noise.....drawing them to the same spot" Crim muttered
"Then we might be able to get every Hunter on the station into a single hangar bay and wipe them out in one move" Lionel realised
"Then Lets do it" Komodo declared cocking his shotgun firmly and proudly.
Chapter 8: Open the Door
The plan was working to an extent the entire group of friends and Neo actually laughing as they ran through the endless corridors and rooms firing their weapons and slicing through any Hunter in their way, after all the plan wasn't to kill them but to get them to follow, Komodo was very good at making a lot of noise, setting off grenade after grenade, laser after laser, to draw them in. Until the entire Horde was after them, in the hundreds.
They ran and ran, screaming and laughing, mostly laughing as Komodo put it when asked "Why are we laughing?"
"Cause we're meant to hide from these fuckers" he chuckled, making them all to break out into laughter all over again. turning his head, James could see the Corridor behind them filled with Hunters on every wall, ceiling and floor coming after them.
"Time to fly guys" he shouted, this was the signal to run for the main hangar, where the plot was laid. So they sprinted, dropping everything that was too heavy, even Komodo had to give up his favourite gun.
Yet when they got to the Hangar-bay, filled with crates, explosives, fighter and bomber components, a Hunter gott too close, grappling with James, it struck his head with a strong slash at the back of his skull. Sending him falling to the floor. "James!!" Crim screamed, as she and the guys charged the lone creature punching, kicking and elbowing the creature to take it down for the count. Neo grabbed James and pulled, heaving his leader out of the room to the safety of their escape route followed closely by Crim.
The rest were quick to follow, but then something worse happened, as pair fled Lionel hit the locking system, sending every entrance into that section of the station into lockdown, closing and sealing every door. But then there was a sudden electrical surge and the door locked itself open.
Komodo and Lionel desperately fiddled with the panel from the safe side, trying to get it working. "Lionel there must be a way to close the door manually"
"Yeah.. In there" he pointed slowly into the hangar bay.
The pair knew what that meant.
"Then one of us has to go back in" Komodo muttered, hearing the screeching of the fast approaching creatures in the hundreds closing in. "I'll do it"
"You won't make it out" Lionel muttered
"Get out of here guys" he stated firmly, approaching Lionel one last time "Blame Krell, Furface not yourself" As he began his walk to the door, a pull came on his right shoulder, pulling him back, then with a sudden strike, a punch sent him falling to the floor, the only thing he could see was a furry tail rushing by, then the sound of the door closing and clanging into lock-down.
"FURFACE!" Komodo shouted
Lionel peaked through the porthole "Sorry... this ones mine"
Komodo grew more furious banging on the door "NO OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR.... OPEN IT"
Lionel just looked to his friend "I Can't Komodo.... they'll kill you all... I can't let that happen" he slowly started to walk backwards into the open space of the hangar.
Komodo himself for the first time since they first met said "LIONEL OPEN THE DOOR"
Yet Lionel just continued to walk back into the open, as the Hunters poured out of the far side corridors, finally came to a stop in the dead centre, now surrounded entirely by invader hunters.
When slowly from a pocket on his left side, he pulled a small detonator, holding near his heart he held it in both hands, closed his eyes and squeezed.
Chapter 9: That's what you do....
It took them many an hour to find him, in the emptiness of space, when finally in a torn space suit there he was.
Bringing him on-board they held him carefully and steadily, trying their hardest not to cause him anymore pain. James, Komodo and Crim took him straight to the medical bay, laying him upon a soft bed, they looked down upon a close friend and brother in arms.
He slowed his breathing to say what might be his last words, "We sure showed them huh"
Komodo scoffed "Only counts as one..." referencing their kill count competition, something they had continued from their time in the Eva's Paradise resistance. The group laughed together, at the sheer idea that Komodo was still keeping track, even when Lionel had given up months ago.
"I'm sorry... that I lead you into a trap James" Lionel muttered through his slow breaths.
"Awe.. you know him.... he won't hold it against you" Crim struck in with her stern words "Now lay still, so the medics can get in"
Lionel gave a slight shake of his head "No..... its time....." none of them wanted to even consider what he was saying "Take this... and make it worth it" He opened his left hand, revealing within its grip a data chip, a small device containing capable of holding hundreds of thousands amounts of data.
"You know" James muttered "You didn't have to do that... in the hangar"
Lionel just looked at his friend "Thats what you do" he paused to allow a breath "In A Family"
Finally Lionel struggled, his eyes opened steady and slowly went empty and his limbs went cold.
Chapter 10: Cometh the Hour....
They gathered around their fallen brother, Komodo, Crim and James lowering their heads out of respect for the friend and brother they had lost. But for one a thought filled her mind, Crim knew that James would be hit the hardest for he was having to say goodbye to yet another friend. She was growing worried that James would do something reckless and she wasn't wrong.
For James was not just feeling pain and suffering, he was feeling something indescribably beyond anger, beyond rage, beyond fury. This was a feeling that he had not felt since he learned of Nyssa's birth, it was something deep within his blood.
He had decided he had, had enough, the time had come to run no more.
He marched out of the medical bay and straight to the bridge, taking his commanding position, he looked over the holographic projection his eyes were showing him the state of the fight or at least what the machines in his body were telling was being shown.
The crew gathered around as Crim stood in the openness of the bridge blast doors, "What are your orders sir?" the Captain requested.
James just stood still looking over the projection, "Get me Comms" he ordered
The Communications officer made a request "To whom General sir?"
James looked behind to Crim "Everyone" he stated in a grizzeled tone "I want everyone in the whole Galaxy to hear this".
The Communications officer just sat in her place, frozen without any idea what to do, her actions were only brought forth when a call came "You heard the General get the coms up, lets the Galaxy hear what needs to be said" It was Crim coming to stand by her husband.
The officer made her move and began to access the systems needed for such an order, then she turned to her leaders and nodded her head, "On your go sir"
James pressed the button on the controls before him, he paused, knowing that the silence was being heard across the Galaxy, the remnants of the Federation, Alliance militaries, Guardant Empire, the various Resistance groups and even on the occupied planets.
"This is a message to the Milky Way Galaxy......" he paused "I am James Luck of the United Systems Alliance, and I have a request.... No!.... A Call for you to answer...... The Invaders are winning this war........ Now I know many of you would have hoped for some words of inspiration...... But now is not the time for that......... I tell you this..... I am fed up.......That I am having to pay for this war..... with those whom I care for....... Well Now I say Enough is Enough........If we don't fight then.... they will take everything from us.......any who resist them will have their entire planets turned into nothing more than piles of ash"
Across the Galaxy people gathered hearing this message, soldiers on the front lines, sailors and marines onboard ships, even merchantmen aboard their own. Civilians in the streets heard the words on the hacked propaganda posts. And everyone was starting to agree with what was being said.
"They show us no mercy.... so we shall give them none!.....They might bring down Terror upon us..... But I know!....... We will get back up....." he Paused again to catch his breath and started to speak with a calmer and more emotional voice "Now All of us have lost people we love in this war..... people we care for.......I've lost a father.... A Sister...... hundreds of Friends..... many of whom I gladly called brother......" Everyone present on the Bridge knew whom he was talking about "They gave their lives as a sacrifice so that others would live........... I know that if those Sacrifices are to mean anything.... We need to Win! this War!........"
His Voice was now turning again into rage "This Galaxy is made up of countless civilisations and cultures....... All of whom built themselves here..... on the strength of their spirit and Courage alongside the resolve they had to build a home for the Future.... and if they failed on one planet they would start over again somewhere else.......... But!" He stood tall on the bridge and allowed himself to be seen on the holo communicator, allowing himself to be seen both acoustically and visually across the Galaxy. " This is not about Planets anymore..... this is about Our Galaxy........ So My call to you all is this....... To call on that same Spirit..... That same Courage...... And turn into something else.... not anger..... But Rage!...... ..... no more running..... no more hiding...... "
"Today We are going to unleash everything we have on them..... To fire Every bullet... Every laser.... Every knife..... Every Fist at them...... Because when the Last Invader is dead then this war is Over....... AND WE WILL HAVE SHOWN THEM..... THIS....... THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS... WHEN YOU THREATEN OUR HOME!!"
Across the Galaxy heeded the message, resistance factions large and small readied everything they had, fleets far and yon prepared their FTL drives, even those of merchantmen who only had light armaments onboard rallied. Armies embarked transports. For everyone knew what he was going to do.
"Turn the Fleets towards Earth" he ordered.
Chapter 11: ......Cometh the Horde!
Lord Magister Krell, leader of the entire Invader forces in the Milky Way Galaxy, stood in his command post sitting on a secluded island in the Mediterranean sea on Planet Earth.
He looked over countless reports coming in from the Coalitions forces as well as his own, that kept coming in, again and again they came with every second something new was happening on a planet on the front or behind the lines, even those he thought secure.
Insurgent uprising on Mars- all cities under attack by rebels and insurgents
Major Uprising on Federation Capital- Entire city in open rebellion
Scaleon in open rebellion-remnants of Durk Forces and civilians rebelling
Felis Homeworld and colonies in Open rebellion- All cities and Colonies facing uprisings
Major offensive on the Guardant front- Entire front line being pressed-Guardant attacking suicidal
Major Uprisings on Planet Earth- Hundreds of Cities in open Rebellion
Enemy forces pushing from Coral Danal- Sanctuary retaken by Alliance forces
Alliance Marines attacking- Alliance front destabilising by all out attack by Alliance forces
And Hundreds of Thousands of others, and they still came in. As if the entire Galaxy was rising up against him, this was something that seemed to have him on edge, something that only could resembled fear, fear of failure. He had not expected this, none of this was according to what he calculated from his countless days of research of every culture and every person, none of this was making sense, none of this was supposed to be happening.
Then something worse happened when a sudden jolt struck him as someone charged into the room, a human soldier of the Coalition "Lord Magister....." the soldier was clearly out of breath, "A fleet is coming out of FTL in the system"
Krell accessed the satelitte systems and took a look. He thought it might just be a small force coming to attack. But then he watched as the ships came out one of the other, a few dozen, then a dozen more and more and more and more, until instead of several at a time it was closer to hundreds, then thousands. It was as if every single ship in the entire Galaxy had come to fight him, and for the first time in his long life, Krell the so called undefeatable leader of the Invaders felt a single chill tingle up his spine. He had never felt this feeling before but understood it straight away a mixture of shock and fear.
Whilst aboard one of these approaching ships stood the man behind it all, with rage glued upon his face, and his eyes sealed shut, he awaited to give the order, he flung his eyes open, blood red iris's shining in the light as he gave a single phrase "Never Shall We Die!"
To Be Continued......
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