First fan fiction
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Maarschalk
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First fan fiction
Cool and interesting description of tactics used in battle. Keep it coming can't wait to read the next chapter!....
Arvoch Alliance Stat:
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
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oni14128
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First fan fiction
Now we're really getting to the good bits. BTW worked out the logistics of Mr. X's superweapon with Davek. He had a much more eloquent and technical way of describing what I was trying to say. We were on the same page but my lack of tech savvy was giving me trouble when I tried to describe it. The main problem is that I wanted a powerful enough weapon that it posed a threat to the Alliance but not so powerful that it couldn't be stopped. The same thing is true of Hatch's phase cannon. It can't be so awesome that it makes shields obsolete but it should be a significant advantage if used properly. After some thought, I cut down the range to 300 decameters making it much more difficult to use and requiring some fancy piloting to get close enough for it to be effective without getting blasted 700 decameters out (what's the abbreviation for decameter anyway? DM?). Been writing today between my patrols and even though its not as much as I usually post, I'm really excited to share this part.
“Yes, Sir,� Lance felt defeated. This was big and it had fallen into his lap, he should be able to see it through to the end. There was no way Johannsen was going to let him be a part of the upcoming conflict however.
Lance had fought in the Arvoch conflict and despite several close calls always made it back. The Admiral must really be unnerved by this new weapon to keep him out of the fight. With a sigh Lance saluted and left Johannsen’s quarters the old man could be so stubborn he thought.
Lance is so stubborn its infuriating thought Johannsen. He had been the Admiral’s protégé for over a decade and during the conflict war it troubled Johannsen that the next flight might be Lance’s last; he had after all known Lance since his parents were kill by raiders. Watching all the orphans in the school yard on Erato, he could tell that Lance was different. Though the death of his parents had deeply affected him, there was an inner determination that radiated from him. He was a born leader and those around followed him willingly; he was stubborn as a mule though. Never thinking things through, always rushing into the fray. This was one fight however that Johannsen didn’t think they would win.
Lance was the son he never had and he would not send him to fight a battle that was hopeless. If this dreadful technology was operational no Alliance ship would be able to get anywhere near Onyx before they would be taken out. That was why they had to act now, if by some miracle the missiles were not finished, a naval strike force could neutralize the threat before it got deployed. First things first, Johannsen thought; he had to warn the council.
************************************************************
When Lance walked into the hangar, he noticed Celeste finishing up attaching a new cannon in place of his trusty Maxim-Rs. She finished her work and took a step back, admiring the sleek new railguns.
“Just what do you think you’re doing to my ship!� Lance demanded.
“Oh, Lance, hi. Hatch wanted me to have them installed before we left. He said something about not knowing when he’d have a chance to use proper tools again,� Celeste informed him.
“I’m gonna kill him! He knows how much I hate railguns. I’ve used the Maxims since the Conflict and they’ve never let me down,� Lance continued his tirade.
“Yeah, but he made some special modifications. I really think you’ll like what he’s-“
“What’s the range?� Lance questioned.
“Oh… I think Hatch said 300-“
“HATCH!� Lance stormed off towards the cargo bay.
Hatch leaned out of the Oni’s hold at the sound of his name and quickly ducked back inside as he saw Lance approach, fire in his eyes.
“Railguns? Are you kidding? Johannsen wants us to take him to Outpost # ASAP and you put railguns on my ship!� Lance was furious.
Hatch remained calm and walked over to a workbench where he picked up a shiny metal cup shaped object. Turning around he thrust the object at Lance’s chest.
“What’s this, you’re new coffee mug?� Lance baited.
“That, Cap, is a 25mm titanium armor plate,� Hatch began his lecture, “or at least it was before being struck by a slug that passed through a fully charged shield array.�
“Wait, passed though a shield array?� Lance asked incredulously.
“That’s right,� Celeste joined in, “saw it with my own eyes. There wasn’t even the telltale flash that the barrier was hit.�
“So this thing will fire through shields? That’s amazing, but jeez Hatch you could have given me more wiggle room than 300 decameters,� Lance complained.
“If I had time to do more extensive field tests I might be able to increase it. Unfortunately that is my best guess for how long the phased sheathing will hold onto the slug. The railgun itself will still lock with MDTS at its normal range; it just may not penetrate the shielding.�
“So, just in case, my Maxims are…�
“In the cargo hold,� Celeste chimed in again, “Hatch said you’d pitch a fit if I got rid of them.�
“And the fusion lasers?�
“Still mounted and ready,� Celeste said happily.
“Okay,� Lance said calming down, “so here’s the deal crew. We take Johannsen to Outpost # then we high tail it for Sapphire. The info on the datapad Celeste provided us with has schematics for a new weapon that could prove fatal to the Alliance.�
Lance spent the next five minutes briefing Hatch and Celeste on the details. Their expressions ranged from horrified to furious as Lance described the enemy’s new capabilities; by the time he finished both were ready to stay and join the fight as well. It was all Lance could do not to disobey Johannsen’s orders.
“We’ll get our chance to fight, but it won’t be today. And Celeste, I’m sorry but it looks like I’m going to have to break that promise about allowing you to finish Mr. X. At this point the removal of Mr. X and the retrieval of any and all experimental weapons is officially a Navy affair.�
The Admiral had been waiting just outside the cargo bay and was listening to Lance rally his troops. As stubborn as he was, he was a good soldier and knew the meaning of orders. “Captain,� Johannsen said as he stepped into the bay, “are you and your men ready to depart?�
“Yes sir, just briefing them on the latest turn of events,� Lance answered.
“Admiral, it’s good to see you again sir,� Hatch said.
“Rupert,� Johannsen acknowledged him with a nod.
“Rupert!� Celeste burst out laughing, “Your real name is Rupert!�
Hatch’s face reddened, partly from embarrassment but mostly from anger. That was precisely why he hated that name, it only ever inspired ridicule.
“And you must be the young woman who brought this intelligence to us in the first place,� Johannsen intervened. He too knew how sore a point Hatch’s real name was. He extended his hand out to Celeste in greeting.
“Celeste sir,� Celeste responded shaking his hand.
“Please, as far as I know you were never in the military. My name is Frank.�
“Pleased to meet you Frank,� Celeste said.
“I hate to be rude, but we really must get going. Celeste, I would like to talk to you once we are underway. I’m sure you have an interesting story to tell.�
***
The Onimusha glided towards Outpost # vectoring to docking bay 3. The traffic controller had been surprised to find a Fleet Admiral riding aboard a freelance vessel. It had taken some serious convincing on Johannsen’s part to get the operator to believe he was who he said he was. Finally they had gotten clearance and made a beeline for the appropriate bay.
Lance and crew decided that they weren’t even going to leave the ship and as Johannsen stood at the end of the cargo bay’s ramp they said their goodbyes.
“Sir, be safe. I don’t like the way this is playing out,� Lance cautioned.
“Me neither Captain, I’ll contact you once we’ve sorted this whole mess out.�
“Admiral it was a pleasure having you aboard,� Hatch said.
Johannsen turned to leave but stopped short, “Celeste,� he said looking back, “I’m truly sorry for what happened to your family. I promise that the Alliance will do its best to bring Mr. X to justice.�
“Thank you Frank,� Celeste said with a meek smile. She had spent the better part of the Oni’s flight to the outpost filling Johannsen in on the situation that had brought her to his doorstep. Without the aid of alcohol, it was a much more emotional retelling than when she had confided in Lance the previous night.
The Admiral was greeted at the end of the ramp by a security detail that would escort him the rest of the way. He stepped off the ship between the two rows of three soldiers and they saluted. They stepped about face and marched him off deeper into the station.
“Time to get out of Dodge,� Lance said buttoning up the cargo hold.
Moments later he was seated back in the cockpit waiting for clearance to take off. He took the time to plot his course to the Sapphire system. To him it seemed as if there were an agonizingly long queue all waiting to leave the station. He just wanted to be on his way, every second he sat parked on the flight deck made him want to power down and join Johannsen.
“A.E.V. Onimusha, you are cleared to depart through Bay 3,� the air traffic controller’s voice broke the silence.
It was about time thought Lance, “Roger that flight control Onimusha departing.�
With a whine the Oni’s vertical thrusters roared to life lifting the vessel off the deck. Lance applied power gently to the main engines and the craft lurched forward. As the Onimusha passed through the docking bay’s magnetic field, Lance felt a twinge of regret; he should have held his ground with the Admiral and stayed to fight. Johannsen had been right though, he had to think about the rest of the crew, who would be in real danger if things went sideways. Oh well he thought, on to Sapphire; Lance engaged the Fulcrum Drive.
Floating in space 10 kilometer from the outpost, an object shimmered in the darkness. Through the view screen of his cloaked fighter Mr. X’s spy watched the Oni depart. A smile crept across his lips, now was the time for Mr. X to give a display of strength.
The comms crackled to life, “Is everything prepared?�
“Yes Mr. X, the Admiral is aboard the station and I have word that the transport should be jumping in any moment,� the pilot responded.
“Good, the weapon is to near completion to allow the Alliance to muck it up. Make sure that there are no survivors. I expect a full report when it’s done.�
As if on cue, a cargo transport arrived in a flash of light. The spy saw the sub-light engines come to life and then intensify as the afterburner kicked on. It was a slow process, but the transport began to build speed as it vectored towards the station.
Don't you just love cliff hangers? Raise your hand if you know what's going to happen next? Hold onto your HOTAS everyone plenty more to come. Next up chapter 6
“Yes, Sir,� Lance felt defeated. This was big and it had fallen into his lap, he should be able to see it through to the end. There was no way Johannsen was going to let him be a part of the upcoming conflict however.
Lance had fought in the Arvoch conflict and despite several close calls always made it back. The Admiral must really be unnerved by this new weapon to keep him out of the fight. With a sigh Lance saluted and left Johannsen’s quarters the old man could be so stubborn he thought.
Lance is so stubborn its infuriating thought Johannsen. He had been the Admiral’s protégé for over a decade and during the conflict war it troubled Johannsen that the next flight might be Lance’s last; he had after all known Lance since his parents were kill by raiders. Watching all the orphans in the school yard on Erato, he could tell that Lance was different. Though the death of his parents had deeply affected him, there was an inner determination that radiated from him. He was a born leader and those around followed him willingly; he was stubborn as a mule though. Never thinking things through, always rushing into the fray. This was one fight however that Johannsen didn’t think they would win.
Lance was the son he never had and he would not send him to fight a battle that was hopeless. If this dreadful technology was operational no Alliance ship would be able to get anywhere near Onyx before they would be taken out. That was why they had to act now, if by some miracle the missiles were not finished, a naval strike force could neutralize the threat before it got deployed. First things first, Johannsen thought; he had to warn the council.
************************************************************
When Lance walked into the hangar, he noticed Celeste finishing up attaching a new cannon in place of his trusty Maxim-Rs. She finished her work and took a step back, admiring the sleek new railguns.
“Just what do you think you’re doing to my ship!� Lance demanded.
“Oh, Lance, hi. Hatch wanted me to have them installed before we left. He said something about not knowing when he’d have a chance to use proper tools again,� Celeste informed him.
“I’m gonna kill him! He knows how much I hate railguns. I’ve used the Maxims since the Conflict and they’ve never let me down,� Lance continued his tirade.
“Yeah, but he made some special modifications. I really think you’ll like what he’s-“
“What’s the range?� Lance questioned.
“Oh… I think Hatch said 300-“
“HATCH!� Lance stormed off towards the cargo bay.
Hatch leaned out of the Oni’s hold at the sound of his name and quickly ducked back inside as he saw Lance approach, fire in his eyes.
“Railguns? Are you kidding? Johannsen wants us to take him to Outpost # ASAP and you put railguns on my ship!� Lance was furious.
Hatch remained calm and walked over to a workbench where he picked up a shiny metal cup shaped object. Turning around he thrust the object at Lance’s chest.
“What’s this, you’re new coffee mug?� Lance baited.
“That, Cap, is a 25mm titanium armor plate,� Hatch began his lecture, “or at least it was before being struck by a slug that passed through a fully charged shield array.�
“Wait, passed though a shield array?� Lance asked incredulously.
“That’s right,� Celeste joined in, “saw it with my own eyes. There wasn’t even the telltale flash that the barrier was hit.�
“So this thing will fire through shields? That’s amazing, but jeez Hatch you could have given me more wiggle room than 300 decameters,� Lance complained.
“If I had time to do more extensive field tests I might be able to increase it. Unfortunately that is my best guess for how long the phased sheathing will hold onto the slug. The railgun itself will still lock with MDTS at its normal range; it just may not penetrate the shielding.�
“So, just in case, my Maxims are…�
“In the cargo hold,� Celeste chimed in again, “Hatch said you’d pitch a fit if I got rid of them.�
“And the fusion lasers?�
“Still mounted and ready,� Celeste said happily.
“Okay,� Lance said calming down, “so here’s the deal crew. We take Johannsen to Outpost # then we high tail it for Sapphire. The info on the datapad Celeste provided us with has schematics for a new weapon that could prove fatal to the Alliance.�
Lance spent the next five minutes briefing Hatch and Celeste on the details. Their expressions ranged from horrified to furious as Lance described the enemy’s new capabilities; by the time he finished both were ready to stay and join the fight as well. It was all Lance could do not to disobey Johannsen’s orders.
“We’ll get our chance to fight, but it won’t be today. And Celeste, I’m sorry but it looks like I’m going to have to break that promise about allowing you to finish Mr. X. At this point the removal of Mr. X and the retrieval of any and all experimental weapons is officially a Navy affair.�
The Admiral had been waiting just outside the cargo bay and was listening to Lance rally his troops. As stubborn as he was, he was a good soldier and knew the meaning of orders. “Captain,� Johannsen said as he stepped into the bay, “are you and your men ready to depart?�
“Yes sir, just briefing them on the latest turn of events,� Lance answered.
“Admiral, it’s good to see you again sir,� Hatch said.
“Rupert,� Johannsen acknowledged him with a nod.
“Rupert!� Celeste burst out laughing, “Your real name is Rupert!�
Hatch’s face reddened, partly from embarrassment but mostly from anger. That was precisely why he hated that name, it only ever inspired ridicule.
“And you must be the young woman who brought this intelligence to us in the first place,� Johannsen intervened. He too knew how sore a point Hatch’s real name was. He extended his hand out to Celeste in greeting.
“Celeste sir,� Celeste responded shaking his hand.
“Please, as far as I know you were never in the military. My name is Frank.�
“Pleased to meet you Frank,� Celeste said.
“I hate to be rude, but we really must get going. Celeste, I would like to talk to you once we are underway. I’m sure you have an interesting story to tell.�
***
The Onimusha glided towards Outpost # vectoring to docking bay 3. The traffic controller had been surprised to find a Fleet Admiral riding aboard a freelance vessel. It had taken some serious convincing on Johannsen’s part to get the operator to believe he was who he said he was. Finally they had gotten clearance and made a beeline for the appropriate bay.
Lance and crew decided that they weren’t even going to leave the ship and as Johannsen stood at the end of the cargo bay’s ramp they said their goodbyes.
“Sir, be safe. I don’t like the way this is playing out,� Lance cautioned.
“Me neither Captain, I’ll contact you once we’ve sorted this whole mess out.�
“Admiral it was a pleasure having you aboard,� Hatch said.
Johannsen turned to leave but stopped short, “Celeste,� he said looking back, “I’m truly sorry for what happened to your family. I promise that the Alliance will do its best to bring Mr. X to justice.�
“Thank you Frank,� Celeste said with a meek smile. She had spent the better part of the Oni’s flight to the outpost filling Johannsen in on the situation that had brought her to his doorstep. Without the aid of alcohol, it was a much more emotional retelling than when she had confided in Lance the previous night.
The Admiral was greeted at the end of the ramp by a security detail that would escort him the rest of the way. He stepped off the ship between the two rows of three soldiers and they saluted. They stepped about face and marched him off deeper into the station.
“Time to get out of Dodge,� Lance said buttoning up the cargo hold.
Moments later he was seated back in the cockpit waiting for clearance to take off. He took the time to plot his course to the Sapphire system. To him it seemed as if there were an agonizingly long queue all waiting to leave the station. He just wanted to be on his way, every second he sat parked on the flight deck made him want to power down and join Johannsen.
“A.E.V. Onimusha, you are cleared to depart through Bay 3,� the air traffic controller’s voice broke the silence.
It was about time thought Lance, “Roger that flight control Onimusha departing.�
With a whine the Oni’s vertical thrusters roared to life lifting the vessel off the deck. Lance applied power gently to the main engines and the craft lurched forward. As the Onimusha passed through the docking bay’s magnetic field, Lance felt a twinge of regret; he should have held his ground with the Admiral and stayed to fight. Johannsen had been right though, he had to think about the rest of the crew, who would be in real danger if things went sideways. Oh well he thought, on to Sapphire; Lance engaged the Fulcrum Drive.
Floating in space 10 kilometer from the outpost, an object shimmered in the darkness. Through the view screen of his cloaked fighter Mr. X’s spy watched the Oni depart. A smile crept across his lips, now was the time for Mr. X to give a display of strength.
The comms crackled to life, “Is everything prepared?�
“Yes Mr. X, the Admiral is aboard the station and I have word that the transport should be jumping in any moment,� the pilot responded.
“Good, the weapon is to near completion to allow the Alliance to muck it up. Make sure that there are no survivors. I expect a full report when it’s done.�
As if on cue, a cargo transport arrived in a flash of light. The spy saw the sub-light engines come to life and then intensify as the afterburner kicked on. It was a slow process, but the transport began to build speed as it vectored towards the station.
Don't you just love cliff hangers? Raise your hand if you know what's going to happen next? Hold onto your HOTAS everyone plenty more to come. Next up chapter 6
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oni14128
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First fan fiction
[Edited on 12-20-2012 by oni14128]
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SeeJay
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First fan fiction
Darn you, you're killing me here.
Post next chapter already will ya! ;-)
Excellent story so far.
[Edited on 2012-12-20 by SeeJay]
Post next chapter already will ya! ;-)
Excellent story so far.
[Edited on 2012-12-20 by SeeJay]
\"Nothing is impossible, it only takes a bit longer!\"
\"We are not retreating, we are advancing in another direction!\"
http://evochron.junholt.se (Old)
http://www.evochron2.junholt.se (New)
http://mercenary.junholt.se (Map)
http://www.junholt.se/evoschool/index.htm (No spoilers)
-8- Bzzzzzzzzz! -8- -8-
\"We are not retreating, we are advancing in another direction!\"
http://evochron.junholt.se (Old)
http://www.evochron2.junholt.se (New)
http://mercenary.junholt.se (Map)
http://www.junholt.se/evoschool/index.htm (No spoilers)
-8- Bzzzzzzzzz! -8- -8-
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Maarschalk
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First fan fiction
I know what is going to happen if I raise my hands! That is why I hate hanging from cliffs(cliff hangers)......So hurry up please!.....:P
:PArvoch Alliance Stat:
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
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Marvin
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First fan fiction
Maars, it normally isn't the reader who hangs from cliffs ... it's the hero or heroine. -
Maarschalk
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Tell that to a high elevation cliff climber who takes a break and reads the last writen chapter on his tablet and is left hanging waiting for the next chapter!......From post: 152445, Topic: tid=10038, author=Marvin wrote:
:P:P:P:P:PArvoch Alliance Stat:
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
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oni14128
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First fan fiction
Just going to have to wait till tomorrow. The file is on my computer at work and though I usually e-mail myself a copy everyday; I got busy and forgot. Don't lose sleep. Lol.
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Marvin
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Maars, what's Dutch for "You crack me up" ...? 
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-splosives-
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Je laat me lachen!From post: 152452, Topic: tid=10038, author=Marvin wrote:
SplosivesCorp: Bringing people closer to destruction.
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Maarschalk
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Je kraakt me op!.....From post: 152452, Topic: tid=10038, author=Marvin wrote:
:P:P:P:P:P:Arvoch Alliance Stat:
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
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-splosives-
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literally, yes. My version makes more sense.
SplosivesCorp: Bringing people closer to destruction.
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Maarschalk
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My version is short for: Je laat me lachen tot mijn ribben kast breekt!.....From post: 152473, Topic: tid=10038, author=-splosives- wrote:literally, yes. My version makes more sense.
:PArvoch Alliance Stat:
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
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-splosives-
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Maybe in the Netherlands, but I haven't heard that one here in Belgium.
SplosivesCorp: Bringing people closer to destruction.
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Maarschalk
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Belgians ussualy do not hear a lot about what goes on in the Netherlands specialy the Dutch Antilles!...and I think you are confusing Dutch with Flemish(Vlaams)....From post: 152478, Topic: tid=10038, author=-splosives- wrote:Maybe in the Netherlands, but I haven't heard that one here in Belgium.
:PArvoch Alliance Stat:
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
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oni14128
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First fan fiction
Happy Holidays everyone. In the spirit of the season, I give to you the next chapter.
Chapter 6
The Onimusha slid back into real space a few kilometers from the Cerulean jump gate. Lance idly worked the controls, he was in no real rush; soon they would be safe and if all went well they would hear from Johannsen in a couple of days. How much trouble could one warlord on Onyx really cause? Even if this missile was completed the Alliance could win an extended conflict through sheer attrition. Lance didn’t want to think about it, sacrificing so many soldiers just to stop the scheme of one misguided person.
That brought up too many questions; where was the motivation? Why attack the Alliance? How had the authorities not noticed a weapons plant testing missiles that created wormholes? Lance’s concentration was disrupted when Celeste knocked softly on the bulkhead by the entrance to the cockpit.
“Am I interrupting?� Celeste asked after noticing him jump slightly at the sound of her knock.
“No, just trying to get a handle on this whole situation. Somebody really dropped the ball on this one and it’s put the whole Alliance at risk.�
“Where do you even test that kind of technology without anyone noticing?� Celeste pondered as if reading Lance’s thoughts.
“You couldn’t do it in space, that would definitely catch some attention,� said Lance.
Hatch chose that moment to join them in the cabin, “What are you guys talking about?�
“Hey Hatch, where would you test experimental potentially dangerous new tech?� Lance queried.
“Why?�
“Well,� Celeste began, “we were trying to figure out where this Mr. X has been doing his weapons testing. It has to be somewhere under the radar.�
“I think you may have found your answer right there.�
“Under-“
“Ground!� Lance finished. Of course, he probably has access to half the planet it would make sense that he has some underground facility. Wait, would he be able to test a wormhole generator underground?�
“Possibly, it depends on the size of the wormhole you’re creating. If it is small enough you may be able to contain it in a magnetic bottle in a vacuum,� Hatch theorized.
“So do we go-� Celeste was interrupted as the comm. burst to life with a frantic message.
“To any…ssssk…vessel…sssk…Outpost # under attack! Transport ship rammed…ssssk…need…ssssk….evacutation!� There was so much static that it was difficult to make out the words of the speaker on the other end of the transmission, but the message was clear. The trio stared at the console knowing full well that their enemy had chosen to bring the fight to them.
“Get strapped in!� Lance ordered as he returned his focus to the ship’s controls, “We’re going back!� Lance plotted a quick course back to the outpost while Hatch and Celeste manned their stations. He could only hope that the Admiral was able to inform the Council of the threat before the outpost was attacked.
“We’re in!� Hatch shouted through the comm. Lance literally punched the button for the Fulcrum Drive; the time it took to traverse the warp tunnel and arrive back at the outpost was negligible and soon Lance found himself staring out the viewport at the devastation that was previously a military outpost. The central structure was split in two, fragments were floating off and the white clouds of atmosphere were venting where the bulkheads had yet to seal the ruptures.
Lance could see a squadron of Aries Naval fighters circling the area, most likely the bases defenders. His heart sank, surely the enemy had deployed its new weapon and this was the aftermath of their first strike.
“Hatch, it doesn’t look like any SAR (search and rescue) craft have arrived from the Hawk yet. Can we get a scan going for any life boats?�
“I’m trying Cap, but there’s a lot of interference coming from somewhere,� Hatch replied.
“Maybe the weapon’s feedback created some sort of spatial distortion that’s playing with our sensors?�
“No, I would be able to detect an anomaly, this is different. The interference keeps shifting, every time I pin it down and adjust my frequency it changes to. It’s like we’re being-“
“Jammed,� Lance finished.
“Cap! Behind us!� Hatch exclaimed.
The vessel de-cloaked right behind the Oni and opened up with its laser, pummeling the shield array. Lance slammed the throttle forward and rolled port, spoiling the spy’s firing solution.
“Aries Filght, this is the A.E.V Onimusha. We are under attack from an unknown enemy vessel and could use assistance.�
“Onimusha, this is Aries 1. We are moving to intercept, hang in there.�
Lance jerked the flight stick back and pulled into a climb as the spy’s ship tried to circle around his starboard side. The Oni had just begun to adjust to this new attitude when the spy fired again. A display panel in the cockpit exploded in a shower of sparks as the enemy’s particle cannon bombarded the hull, overloading a circuit.
Adjusting his tactics, Lance rolled 90 degrees to port and pulled back into another climb, circling away from his pursuer.
“Celeste! Time to work some magic with that shield again! I don’t know if I can get behind him, we’re gonna just have to stall until Aries can make it over here.�
The spy’s afterburner roared in response to Lance’s maneuver as he gave chase, particle cannon blazing. Deftly working the controls, Lance bobbed and weaved hoping to dodge the incoming fire long enough for support to arrive. Disengaging IDS he flipped the Oni on its back so he could face his attacker, using lateral thrusters he matched the spy’s velocity while continuing to weave.
The Oni’s MDTS locked onto the spy and Lance squeezed the trigger on his flight stick. Two slugs were spat out of the linked railguns mounted just below the cockpit, a slight distortion was visible tracing their path through space as they speed towards their target. The entire process took less than the blink of an eye as the enemy vessel careened out of control from the impact. It wasn’t a fatal shot but it afforded Lance some breathing room.
Beep.
Beep.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
In the moment before the railgun slugs had struck, the spy had loosed a starfire. Lance could see the plume of smoke as the missile began to track in his direction. With another fast 180 Lance tried to pull away from the inbound missile; the Starfire was fast however and continued to close. Lance depressed the button to release the Oni’s countermeasures hoping to cause the missile to prematurely detonate.
Red caution lights flashed across his console as the ship reported a malfunction in the CM launcher. Lance slammed his fist into the screen cursing his luck; the launcher must have malfunction when the spy had scored its last hit. He glanced at the rear camera as the missile grew larger and larger on the screen.
A bright light temporarily blinded the rear camera as the missile exploded only 100 dm from impact. Three Evoch-Es screamed past the Onimusha, one had peeled off out of formation and with a quick burst from its particle cannon dispatched the offending warhead.
“Wohooooooo!� came Mikeuk’s voice over the comm channel.
“Mikeuk!� Lance exclaimed.
“Looks like you needed a hand buddy.�
“Hey watch out for the spy. He’s got a cloaking device-“ Lance started.
“Not to worry, SeeJay and Dingo are on him.�
Lance looked out his window and could see the two other Es tag team the enemy ship as it tried to align for a jump. The spy never stood a chance; the combined firepower of both Navy fighters quickly overwhelmed its shields and ripped through the hull like a knife through butter.
“Boy do you have impeccable timing, I thought that was going to be the end,� Lance said. Suddenly he felt as though he hadn’t slept in days. The chain of events had left him so drained all he wanted to do was bunk down and close his eyes for a month.
“We received the stations distress call but it was all static to us,� SeeJay had pulled up alongside the Oni along with Dingo.
“Were you guys still aboard when they were attacked?� asked Dingo.
Hatch and Celeste joined Lance in the cockpit. “No,� Celeste said, “we were just about to hit the gate to Cerulean when the message came through on the emergency channel.�
“So do you have any clue what happened?� inquired SeeJay.
“We think that whoever attacked the station may have used an experimental weapon. The Admiral came here specifically to warn Alliance command,� Hatch informed the Hornets.
“If you call a transport loaded with high explosives experimental,� Aries flight had finally arrived at the Oni’s location.
“Hey, yeah. That’s what the message said!� Celeste added, “It said the Outpost was under attack by a transport.�
“They warped in 20 klicks from the station,� Aries flight leader began, “By the time we knew something was wrong, we were only able to scramble our group. We got a few shots off, but the freighter must have been modified as it was heavily shielded. At the time of impact it must have been travelling at least 5,000 decameters a second. It smashed through the outer bulkhead and then detonated.�
“My God!� Celeste was the first to say it, but that was what everyone was thinking.
“It basically rent the station in two,� Aries lead continued, “The lower decks were cut off, I can only hope that people were able to make it to the escape pods. The decompression seals surely saved some of the oxygen but it won’t last long. I did see a couple engine flares come off both sections but we can’t do anything until we get a SAR ship.�
“Alright, we’re on it. Hornets, spread out start tagging escape pods for pickup,� SeeJay ordered. “Hawk this is Hornet 1, come in over.�
“Hornet 1, Hawk, what is the situation?�
“Hawk, Outpost # is gone. We have linked up with defense flight Aries and are in the process of locating survivors. We need a few SAR to pick up the tagged pods.�
“Hornet 1 roger that we are sending search and recovery as well as an additional escort flight to secure the location. Bring our people back safe.�
Aries flight and the Hornets spread out across the wreckage and began a methodical sweep. Briefly conversing with survivors as they located them, telling them that help was coming, tagging the pod with a beacon and moving on to the next. Not wanting to interfere, Lance had the Onimusha orbit the remains of the upper portion of the docking bay. Watching his contact list grow as the Navy pilots methodically tagged the survivors, he wondered if the Admiral had made it out alive.
Hatch and Celeste stood vigil, looking out past the glowing consoles at the empty blackness. Now and again bright dots would appear amongst the debris as damaged electronics would spark fires only to be quenched by the vacuum that surrounded it. Such tragedy hadn’t been seen since the conflict war. Even in the fight against the Vonari, nothing had ever hit so close to home.
“Hatch, have we taken a scan yet?� Lance softly inquired breaking the silence.
“Wouldn’t do much good Cap. Any escape pod would have travelled a good distance from here-“
“I know, just do it anyway. If nothing else we should be able to pick up the beacons of the pods that didn’t launch from the station. We will be able to let the flight leaders know how many pods they have to find.�
“I’m sure he made it out Lance,� Celeste said as she laid a comforting hand on Lance’s shoulder.
“I’m sure he did to. Old man’s too stubborn to die.�
“Okay, scans coming in… Now. Looks like there are 20 pods that never left the station. That’s around 200 people, 10 percent of the stations population ,� Hatch reported. “Wait, 19 never left the station, 1 is just in very close proximity. X,y,z we’re practically right on top of it.�
“Ok, we’ll check it out. SeeJay, I’ve got one right by the station. We have enough space onboard that we’ll do the pickup,� Lance said as he angled the Oni on an intercept course for the life pod.
“Copy that Lance, we’re making pretty good headway out here. Should have everything tagged by the time the SAR arrives.�
“It must have had an engine malfunction or crashed into that debris nearby,� Hatch observed.
“It doesn’t matter what happened, it’s 10 more people we don’t have to bury,� Celeste said overjoyed.
It took a few moments of visually scanning the area before they were able to spot the tiny life pod amidst the wreckage. Lance slowly eased the Oni alongside the pod and opened a comm channel, “This is the A.E.V. Onimusha, we are here in cooperation with the Alliance Navy to provide relief; please respond over.�
“It’s about time,� it was the Admiral’s voice.
“Sir!� Lance exclaimed, “SeeJay, we found the Admiral!�
“You found him! That’s great. Get him aboard and get back to the Hawk ASAP,� SeeJay ordered.
“Admiral, we are going to pull your pod aboard. It’ll be a tight fit, but we can manage. And Sir… It’s good to have you back,� Lance said relieved.
Hope eveyone enjoyed this installment. This whole chapter has been a little shorter than the rest as I am currently suffering froma mild case of writer's block. I know where the story is going and the events that need to transpire in order to get there. Just having a little trouble with the words that will push things in the right direction without sounding to forced. Clearly its time for an all out assault but the fleet just can't leave the warzone undefended. Vonari would slip through and cause all sorts of havoc. Ohh, maybe thaty's story #2. well, I'll try and muddle through this as best I can. HJope everyone has a safe, happy holliday.
Chapter 6
The Onimusha slid back into real space a few kilometers from the Cerulean jump gate. Lance idly worked the controls, he was in no real rush; soon they would be safe and if all went well they would hear from Johannsen in a couple of days. How much trouble could one warlord on Onyx really cause? Even if this missile was completed the Alliance could win an extended conflict through sheer attrition. Lance didn’t want to think about it, sacrificing so many soldiers just to stop the scheme of one misguided person.
That brought up too many questions; where was the motivation? Why attack the Alliance? How had the authorities not noticed a weapons plant testing missiles that created wormholes? Lance’s concentration was disrupted when Celeste knocked softly on the bulkhead by the entrance to the cockpit.
“Am I interrupting?� Celeste asked after noticing him jump slightly at the sound of her knock.
“No, just trying to get a handle on this whole situation. Somebody really dropped the ball on this one and it’s put the whole Alliance at risk.�
“Where do you even test that kind of technology without anyone noticing?� Celeste pondered as if reading Lance’s thoughts.
“You couldn’t do it in space, that would definitely catch some attention,� said Lance.
Hatch chose that moment to join them in the cabin, “What are you guys talking about?�
“Hey Hatch, where would you test experimental potentially dangerous new tech?� Lance queried.
“Why?�
“Well,� Celeste began, “we were trying to figure out where this Mr. X has been doing his weapons testing. It has to be somewhere under the radar.�
“I think you may have found your answer right there.�
“Under-“
“Ground!� Lance finished. Of course, he probably has access to half the planet it would make sense that he has some underground facility. Wait, would he be able to test a wormhole generator underground?�
“Possibly, it depends on the size of the wormhole you’re creating. If it is small enough you may be able to contain it in a magnetic bottle in a vacuum,� Hatch theorized.
“So do we go-� Celeste was interrupted as the comm. burst to life with a frantic message.
“To any…ssssk…vessel…sssk…Outpost # under attack! Transport ship rammed…ssssk…need…ssssk….evacutation!� There was so much static that it was difficult to make out the words of the speaker on the other end of the transmission, but the message was clear. The trio stared at the console knowing full well that their enemy had chosen to bring the fight to them.
“Get strapped in!� Lance ordered as he returned his focus to the ship’s controls, “We’re going back!� Lance plotted a quick course back to the outpost while Hatch and Celeste manned their stations. He could only hope that the Admiral was able to inform the Council of the threat before the outpost was attacked.
“We’re in!� Hatch shouted through the comm. Lance literally punched the button for the Fulcrum Drive; the time it took to traverse the warp tunnel and arrive back at the outpost was negligible and soon Lance found himself staring out the viewport at the devastation that was previously a military outpost. The central structure was split in two, fragments were floating off and the white clouds of atmosphere were venting where the bulkheads had yet to seal the ruptures.
Lance could see a squadron of Aries Naval fighters circling the area, most likely the bases defenders. His heart sank, surely the enemy had deployed its new weapon and this was the aftermath of their first strike.
“Hatch, it doesn’t look like any SAR (search and rescue) craft have arrived from the Hawk yet. Can we get a scan going for any life boats?�
“I’m trying Cap, but there’s a lot of interference coming from somewhere,� Hatch replied.
“Maybe the weapon’s feedback created some sort of spatial distortion that’s playing with our sensors?�
“No, I would be able to detect an anomaly, this is different. The interference keeps shifting, every time I pin it down and adjust my frequency it changes to. It’s like we’re being-“
“Jammed,� Lance finished.
“Cap! Behind us!� Hatch exclaimed.
The vessel de-cloaked right behind the Oni and opened up with its laser, pummeling the shield array. Lance slammed the throttle forward and rolled port, spoiling the spy’s firing solution.
“Aries Filght, this is the A.E.V Onimusha. We are under attack from an unknown enemy vessel and could use assistance.�
“Onimusha, this is Aries 1. We are moving to intercept, hang in there.�
Lance jerked the flight stick back and pulled into a climb as the spy’s ship tried to circle around his starboard side. The Oni had just begun to adjust to this new attitude when the spy fired again. A display panel in the cockpit exploded in a shower of sparks as the enemy’s particle cannon bombarded the hull, overloading a circuit.
Adjusting his tactics, Lance rolled 90 degrees to port and pulled back into another climb, circling away from his pursuer.
“Celeste! Time to work some magic with that shield again! I don’t know if I can get behind him, we’re gonna just have to stall until Aries can make it over here.�
The spy’s afterburner roared in response to Lance’s maneuver as he gave chase, particle cannon blazing. Deftly working the controls, Lance bobbed and weaved hoping to dodge the incoming fire long enough for support to arrive. Disengaging IDS he flipped the Oni on its back so he could face his attacker, using lateral thrusters he matched the spy’s velocity while continuing to weave.
The Oni’s MDTS locked onto the spy and Lance squeezed the trigger on his flight stick. Two slugs were spat out of the linked railguns mounted just below the cockpit, a slight distortion was visible tracing their path through space as they speed towards their target. The entire process took less than the blink of an eye as the enemy vessel careened out of control from the impact. It wasn’t a fatal shot but it afforded Lance some breathing room.
Beep.
Beep.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
In the moment before the railgun slugs had struck, the spy had loosed a starfire. Lance could see the plume of smoke as the missile began to track in his direction. With another fast 180 Lance tried to pull away from the inbound missile; the Starfire was fast however and continued to close. Lance depressed the button to release the Oni’s countermeasures hoping to cause the missile to prematurely detonate.
Red caution lights flashed across his console as the ship reported a malfunction in the CM launcher. Lance slammed his fist into the screen cursing his luck; the launcher must have malfunction when the spy had scored its last hit. He glanced at the rear camera as the missile grew larger and larger on the screen.
A bright light temporarily blinded the rear camera as the missile exploded only 100 dm from impact. Three Evoch-Es screamed past the Onimusha, one had peeled off out of formation and with a quick burst from its particle cannon dispatched the offending warhead.
“Wohooooooo!� came Mikeuk’s voice over the comm channel.
“Mikeuk!� Lance exclaimed.
“Looks like you needed a hand buddy.�
“Hey watch out for the spy. He’s got a cloaking device-“ Lance started.
“Not to worry, SeeJay and Dingo are on him.�
Lance looked out his window and could see the two other Es tag team the enemy ship as it tried to align for a jump. The spy never stood a chance; the combined firepower of both Navy fighters quickly overwhelmed its shields and ripped through the hull like a knife through butter.
“Boy do you have impeccable timing, I thought that was going to be the end,� Lance said. Suddenly he felt as though he hadn’t slept in days. The chain of events had left him so drained all he wanted to do was bunk down and close his eyes for a month.
“We received the stations distress call but it was all static to us,� SeeJay had pulled up alongside the Oni along with Dingo.
“Were you guys still aboard when they were attacked?� asked Dingo.
Hatch and Celeste joined Lance in the cockpit. “No,� Celeste said, “we were just about to hit the gate to Cerulean when the message came through on the emergency channel.�
“So do you have any clue what happened?� inquired SeeJay.
“We think that whoever attacked the station may have used an experimental weapon. The Admiral came here specifically to warn Alliance command,� Hatch informed the Hornets.
“If you call a transport loaded with high explosives experimental,� Aries flight had finally arrived at the Oni’s location.
“Hey, yeah. That’s what the message said!� Celeste added, “It said the Outpost was under attack by a transport.�
“They warped in 20 klicks from the station,� Aries flight leader began, “By the time we knew something was wrong, we were only able to scramble our group. We got a few shots off, but the freighter must have been modified as it was heavily shielded. At the time of impact it must have been travelling at least 5,000 decameters a second. It smashed through the outer bulkhead and then detonated.�
“My God!� Celeste was the first to say it, but that was what everyone was thinking.
“It basically rent the station in two,� Aries lead continued, “The lower decks were cut off, I can only hope that people were able to make it to the escape pods. The decompression seals surely saved some of the oxygen but it won’t last long. I did see a couple engine flares come off both sections but we can’t do anything until we get a SAR ship.�
“Alright, we’re on it. Hornets, spread out start tagging escape pods for pickup,� SeeJay ordered. “Hawk this is Hornet 1, come in over.�
“Hornet 1, Hawk, what is the situation?�
“Hawk, Outpost # is gone. We have linked up with defense flight Aries and are in the process of locating survivors. We need a few SAR to pick up the tagged pods.�
“Hornet 1 roger that we are sending search and recovery as well as an additional escort flight to secure the location. Bring our people back safe.�
Aries flight and the Hornets spread out across the wreckage and began a methodical sweep. Briefly conversing with survivors as they located them, telling them that help was coming, tagging the pod with a beacon and moving on to the next. Not wanting to interfere, Lance had the Onimusha orbit the remains of the upper portion of the docking bay. Watching his contact list grow as the Navy pilots methodically tagged the survivors, he wondered if the Admiral had made it out alive.
Hatch and Celeste stood vigil, looking out past the glowing consoles at the empty blackness. Now and again bright dots would appear amongst the debris as damaged electronics would spark fires only to be quenched by the vacuum that surrounded it. Such tragedy hadn’t been seen since the conflict war. Even in the fight against the Vonari, nothing had ever hit so close to home.
“Hatch, have we taken a scan yet?� Lance softly inquired breaking the silence.
“Wouldn’t do much good Cap. Any escape pod would have travelled a good distance from here-“
“I know, just do it anyway. If nothing else we should be able to pick up the beacons of the pods that didn’t launch from the station. We will be able to let the flight leaders know how many pods they have to find.�
“I’m sure he made it out Lance,� Celeste said as she laid a comforting hand on Lance’s shoulder.
“I’m sure he did to. Old man’s too stubborn to die.�
“Okay, scans coming in… Now. Looks like there are 20 pods that never left the station. That’s around 200 people, 10 percent of the stations population ,� Hatch reported. “Wait, 19 never left the station, 1 is just in very close proximity. X,y,z we’re practically right on top of it.�
“Ok, we’ll check it out. SeeJay, I’ve got one right by the station. We have enough space onboard that we’ll do the pickup,� Lance said as he angled the Oni on an intercept course for the life pod.
“Copy that Lance, we’re making pretty good headway out here. Should have everything tagged by the time the SAR arrives.�
“It must have had an engine malfunction or crashed into that debris nearby,� Hatch observed.
“It doesn’t matter what happened, it’s 10 more people we don’t have to bury,� Celeste said overjoyed.
It took a few moments of visually scanning the area before they were able to spot the tiny life pod amidst the wreckage. Lance slowly eased the Oni alongside the pod and opened a comm channel, “This is the A.E.V. Onimusha, we are here in cooperation with the Alliance Navy to provide relief; please respond over.�
“It’s about time,� it was the Admiral’s voice.
“Sir!� Lance exclaimed, “SeeJay, we found the Admiral!�
“You found him! That’s great. Get him aboard and get back to the Hawk ASAP,� SeeJay ordered.
“Admiral, we are going to pull your pod aboard. It’ll be a tight fit, but we can manage. And Sir… It’s good to have you back,� Lance said relieved.
Hope eveyone enjoyed this installment. This whole chapter has been a little shorter than the rest as I am currently suffering froma mild case of writer's block. I know where the story is going and the events that need to transpire in order to get there. Just having a little trouble with the words that will push things in the right direction without sounding to forced. Clearly its time for an all out assault but the fleet just can't leave the warzone undefended. Vonari would slip through and cause all sorts of havoc. Ohh, maybe thaty's story #2. well, I'll try and muddle through this as best I can. HJope everyone has a safe, happy holliday.
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Maarschalk
- Captain
- Posts: 7645
- Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:24 am
- Location: USA, Also check your six!
First fan fiction
Very cool, can't wait for the next Chapter, thanks for writing a very good story so far Oni14128!.....
Arvoch Alliance Stat:
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Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
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oni14128
- Lieutenant
- Posts: 100
- Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2012 5:36 am
First fan fiction
Chapter 7
“I told you I’m fine!� Johannsen snapped at the medic who was fussing over a deep cut on the Admiral’s forehead.
“Sir, you have to let me stop the bleeding.�
“Fine, just hurry up. We need to hit this scum hard for what he did.�
Lance, who hadn’t left Johannsen’s side since they landed voiced his opinion, “I’m going this time. You tried to send me away and look where that’s got us. Clearly Mr. X has resources available to him that can counter our defenses. The only way we are going to put an end to this is to cut off the snake’s head. Metaphorically and quite possibly literally. Now Hatch has been doing the math and everything points to an underground lab somewhere on Onyx Prime. We hit him hard by land and air and burn his empire to the ground.�
“It’s a shame you didn’t stay in the Navy son. You would have made one heck of a commander,� Johannsen chuckled. “You’re right though, only problem is what if he’s holed up in a city or other populated area? We can’t go in guns blazing until we know exactly where he’s hiding. Odds are it’ll be the main city on the planet but I can’t order an orbital strike on a civilian city.�
“Sir, there’s got to be a way. It’s clear he hasn’t finished his doomsday missile otherwise he would have used when his spies attacked the station. If we don’t strike now, if we give him a chance to finish…�
“Lance, you don’t have to tell me that, I know. How close would we have to get you and how long would Rupert need to pinpoint Mr. X’s location?� Johannsen inquired.
“If I can get anywhere near orbit, Hatch will find him,� Lance said confidently.
“Good. I’m sending you to Onyx Prime with the battle cruiser Faith. The Hornets will escort you along with the remains of Aries, they’re chomping at the bit for a little payback. You are to scan the surface and disable any anti-air defenses deployed in the area. Marines from the Faith will then land and take over the facility. If possible we would like Mr. X alive and the base intact.�
Lance stood up and saluted, “Yes Sir!�
***
The flight deck was once again a flurry of activity. SARs were still making trips bringing back survivors and triage had been set up on the far side of the bay. Engineers scrambled about making last minute checks on the fighters that would soon be headed into combat. The Hawk had always felt like home to Lance. The bustle of activity, the hum of the ship; there was always something going on and it gave it a living quality. He was sure the people that had manned Outpost # had felt the same way about their home. Time for some payback.
Lance approached the Onimusha with purpose; Hatch and Celeste were perched on one of the wings running diagnostics. “We’re taking the fight to him. No more running, no more hiding, before the day is out I’ll make good on my promise Celeste.�
“What about taking him ali-“ Hatch started.
“No, he doesn’t get off that easy! Not after what he’s done! We’re going, and we’re going to kill him,� Lance’s voice took on a frightening quality and Hatch realized that Mr. X had no idea what he started.
“Oh, by the way,� Celeste interrupted, “There’s a package for you in the cargo bay. Its huge, the tech’s wouldn’t tell me what it was just that we’d need it.�
Lance walked around the ship to the open bay door, inside was a giant steel box. There was an access ladder on the side of it and Lance climbed up. On top near the front of the box a keypad sat right below a clear composite cockpit window. Peering inside Lance could see what looked like a condensed version of a fighter cockpit.
“You like it don’t you?� the voice startled Lance as he looked up to see a marine standing at the bay door.
“What is it?� asked Lance.
“Just a little Alliance toy. Johannsen wants me to tag along with you, thinks my new toy here might be useful. Names Hollywood by the way,� the soldier said.
“Hollywood?�
“Guess everyone kind of sees me as a showoff so, Hollywood. Real name’s Everett. Hope you don’t mind me hitching a ride.�
“Not at all, just keep one thing in mind. I’m not Navy and I don’t take orders. When we get planetside, I have my own agenda and I need you to stay out of my way,� Lance informed him.
“I get it, you think I’m the Admiral’s stooge, that I’m here to keep you on a leash. I just want you to know that, yes, that’s his plan. He really wants this guy alive. To tell you the truth, I’ve always supported the death penalty,� Hollywood said with a smile.
A large grin formed on Lance’s face, “Let’s do this then.� Lance swung down from a top the crate and shook Hollywood’s hand, “Welcome aboard the Onimusha.�
“We’re all set Cap,� Hatch and Celeste came up the boarding ramp, “The fighters are being fueled as we speak so we should get ready.�
“Lance,� Celeste said meekly, “I just want to thank you for everything. If you hadn’t come along, I would have died on that planet…�
“Don’t thank me just yet, you may still get that chance,� Lance said somberly.
“What no intros?� Hollywood asked feeling hurt.
“Oh, where are my manners,� Lance said mockingly, “Everyone this is Corporal Hollywood. Hollywood, everyone. He’s going to be joining us on our little foray to Onyx.�
“And… I brought party favors,� Hollywood said pulling another crate aboard. This one was much smaller than the one already taking up the cargo hold. Opening the lid, Hollywood revealed a treasure trove of military grade weapons hardware. Several assault rifles, handguns, even a few grenades filled the box.
“And here I thought we were going empty handed,� laughed Lance, “Celeste you ever shot one of these before?�
As if on cue, Celeste picked up a pistol, ejected the magazine, checked it and slammed it home. “Dad used to take us to the range,� she said sheepishly after realizing all the men were staring at her.
“I think I’m in love,� Hollywood said as he stepped a little closer to Celeste, “So, where are you from?�
“Settle down big boy, I think we should focus on getting home alive before you ask me for my number.�
“Right, right, so… Later?�
“Ugh!�
Celeste stormed off to the engine room to prep the Oni for departure.
“Was it something I said?� Hollywood asked looking confused.
***
The Hornets, Aries flight and the Onimusha floated in a line formation poised to traverse the Cerulean<>Onyx jump gate. The swirling blue vortex that lay before them seemed to represent their futures. Uncertain, shifting, every potential action could change the outcome of the next few hours. It was torture waiting for the Faith get into position and they had been standing by for over 20 minutes.
“If we don’t hear from them soon, I vote we get this party started without them,� Hollywood broke the silence.
“We’ve been over this,� Lance scolded, “Mr. X has an entire fleet of small fighters, without the cruiser’s support we’re not going to last long.�
“I hate to say it, but I’m almost inclined to agree with Hollywood,� Mikeuk voiced his opinion, “The longer we sit and wait, the more likely one of this guy’s spies will realize that we’re sitting here and we’ll jump right into a trap.�
“Cut the chatter!� SeeJay ordered, “We wait and if we don’t hear back from the Faith, we abort. Remember the enemy has a weapon that can wipe us out with one well placed shot so we can’t do anything rash.�
“I just don’t like sitting here, we really are like ducks in a row queued up like this,� Hollywood complained.
“Faith to all fighters-“
“Thank God,� Hollywood breathed a sigh of relief.
SeeJay rolled his eyes, “We read you, go ahead Faith.�
“We are getting ready to make our final jump to Onyx Prime. Transit time is 1 hour, we will arrive at x,y,z. 30 seconds to jump, you are clear to traverse the gate and proceed to the target area.�
“Roger that Faith, we are enroute,� SeeJay replied, “You heard ‘em boys move out.�
SeeJay throttled up and his Evoch speed towards the gate, the other fighters and the Oni following suit. It would take the group approximately 45 minutes to travel between the systems via the jumpgate and another few minutes to go from the gate to Onyx Prime. Hopefully, they would arrive at the same time as the Faith; arriving too soon before the cruiser or too late would be problematic. It was a tense 45 minutes.
Multiple flashes of light marked the emergence of the group from the jump gate. They quickly spread out into a protective wedge formation. SeeJay headed the group with Mikeuk and Dingo on his port side and Aries flight trailing out on his starboard. The Onimusha kept back 100 decameters but stayed in the center of the formation. The other ships would have to protect it while Hatch worked his magic and scanned the planet.
“Alright group, one more jump and we’ll be in range to commence the operation. Let’s hope that the Faith is on time. Watch each other’s backs I want everyone home after this. And, well, it’s been an honor flying with you all,� SeeJay never had been that great at pep talks.
Celeste grabbed the comm before Lance could engage the jump drive, “I just wanted to thank everyone. Onyx was my home. Mr. X had twisted my life and taken from me everything I loved. So this is for my family and all those lives taken at Outpost #!�
They jumped.
***
The formation of Navy fighters emerged just outside Onyx’s gravity well and Hatch immediately began scanning the planet. It wouldn’t take long for the enemy to realize they were there.
“Let’s make this quick,� SeeJay said nervously, “The Faith hasn’t arrived yet and I don’t want to get stuck fighting an entire fleet in atmo.�
“You can’t rush this,� Hatch snapped, “Just be quiet and let me do my job.�
“Breath buddy, they haven’t even spotted us yet. I got a clean scope,� Lance reassured him.
“Maybe they won’t even see us,� Mikeuk offered.
“I don’t think we’re that lucky,� Dingo countered.
With a bright flash, the Faith exited the warp tunnel and eased into Onyx’s orbit. The Navy pilots let out a sigh knowing that their support was close at hand.
“This is Commander Paulson aboard the Faith, we have entered Onyx orbit and are prepared to assist you Hornet flight.�
“Faith, this is Hornet 1. Happy to have you, so far no enemy contacts. Remember our primary mission is to escort the Onimusha. We’ll transmit the location of the enemy base once it’s location is know and you can send in the marines, we’ll provide cover fire for the dropships,� SeeJay informed the Commander.
“Sir! I just got locked onto, looks like an air defense radar from the planet. They know we’re here!� Dingo exclaimed.
“Hatch, status report?� SeeJay asked.
“Not yet, I’m still scanning.�
“Alright, Hornets, Aries, maintain formation around the Oni. Link your sensors to mine, I’ll designate targets everyone else focus fire on it,� ordered SeeJay.
“Roger,� came the collective call.
Lance’s sensors began to light up as enemy contacts came into range. There had to be at least 30 ships, thankfully there were few actual fighters; the ones that were fighters were outdated and no match for the Evoch-E. The Navy formation looked like a gleaming spear as it angled towards the incoming enemy and prepared to engage.
A barrage of missiles rippled out of the launchers mounted on the Faith and streaked past the navy pilots. On their scanners they could see the enemy formation crumble as the pilots tried to evade the warheads. It was clear that the pilots were inexperienced at actual combat; too much time spent ambushing helpless freighters not enough time facing a real foe. Explosions dotted the space in front of Aries and Hornet as several of the enemy pilots met their demise.
Instead of closing ranks and continuing to advance, the enemy pilots remained scattered, a few pulling ahead of their own support. They would be the first to fall. SeeJay targeted the nearest and with practiced precision, the rest of the pilots opened with a salvo of lasers followed immediately with a burst from their particle cannons. The enemy’s ship could not withstand the punishment and quickly broke apart.
Lance watched the fight intensely as he tried to match the formation’s every move. One at a time, every target that was designated was systematically destroyed. They had taken out 4 more ships when the Faith released another barrage of missiles, scattering the enemy once again.
“I’m zeroing in,� Hatch reported, “The base is somewhere in the north eastern hemisphere, I need you to bring me in closer to pinpoint it though.�
“You heard him boys. Aries take over the fighter screen, we’ll continue to escort. Faith, deploy the Marines. We’ll give the dropships exact coordinates when we have them,� SeeJay ordered.
The Navy formation split apart as the two elements went their separate ways. Aries drawing off a tail that they had gained and Hornet speeding towards the planet’s atmosphere. An enemy Sentinel had gained an advantage over Aries and was hounding them mercilessly. Aries 3 disengaged his IDS and flipped over, pummeling the offending craft with particle bursts. The Sentinel’s shields were quickly overpowered but it was too late to escape. Several solid shots hit home and detonated the ship’s engine core.
In performing the maneuver, Aries 3 had fallen out of formation with the rest of his flight. Re-engaging his IDS he attempted to return to his comrades; a detonation on his starboard side rocked the cockpit. He gazed out his viewport in horror as he identified the swirling blue mass of a warp tunnel. Metal creaked and groaned under the stress of being too close to the gravitational anomaly.
“Watch out!� was all Aries 3 could manage before his ship was torn to pieces.
And just as quickly as it had appeared, the tunnel vanished along with the remains of Aries 3.
“Attention all pilots, the enemy has deployed its experimental weapon tech! Don’t use CMs shoot down all incoming missiles!� Commander Paulson instructed.
“Don’t worry,� SeeJay tried to calm his wingmen, “We’re Hornets, we’re gonna make it. Hatch, status?�
“Got it 87 degrees north, 120 west!� exclaimed Hatch.
“Watch it! We’ve got fighters on our tail!� Lance warned as the enemy fighters opened up.
The Hornets broke formation in an attempt to lose their tail but the enemy pilots stayed focused on the Onimusha. Laser beams and supercharged particles streaked past the cockpit as Lance pulled at the controls trying desperately to avoid the incoming fire. He was having a difficult time maneuvering as Onyx’s atmosphere pulled at the ships frame. Evasive tricks that worked wonders in the vacuum of space continually stalled his craft and forced him to make slower gradual turns that the enemy could easily predict.
“Hollywood! Get in that turret! SeeJay! I could use some help!� Lance said frantically.
“We’re almost back on their six, give us one second.�
A well place particle burst caught the Onimusha on the side damaging the thruster array and setting the craft into a spin. Lance struggled with the controls as he fought to regain control. Looking up through the view screen he could see that the Hornets had re-engaged the fighters. In high orbit he could also make out the marine landing craft dogged by enemy ships as the remainder of Aries flight tried to draw the ships off.
“I’m on him!�
“9 o’clock!�
“Can’t get a lock!�
“Missile inbound! Break! Break!�
“Ha Ha! Got one!�
“This is Marine 1. They’ve taken out our engines. We’re dead in the water!�
The sounds of the battle above played over the comm channel as Lance attempted to fight the laws of physics and level out. The altimeter on his HUD zipped along as the Oni continued its free fall, rapidly approaching 0 meters AGL (above ground level). It had been a good fight Lance thought. If this mission were to be unsuccessful at least the Alliance would know the coordinates of the base and could mount a full assault.
“Celeste, I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would end like this…� He said.
“It’s ok,� Celeste said softly, “We did the best we could. It may not be today, but someone will bring Mr. X down.�
“It’s my fault,� Hatch said somberly, “If I had only been faster getting the coordinates…�
“Hey!� Hollywood shouted, “We’re not done yet. We have to take out the air defense guns or those marine landers won’t even get close. When I tell you to, open the cargo hatch.�
“I don’t see how that giant box is going to help us-“
“Now!�
Lance activated the controls that opened the cargo bay and the large crate inside dropped free. Centrifugal force threw the container out away from the Onimusha as it continued its tailspin. Lance attacked the controls with desperation not willing to give up just yet. Meanwhile Celeste worked feverishly at her station trying to find some way to re-activate the deadened engine.
“Lance! I’ve got a solution, you may not like it,� Celeste said working frantically to re-wire a component, “You’re going to lose everything, shields, weapons, avionics. I’m going to route all power to the engine, like defibrillating a heart. We’ll be down for at least 10 seconds before power will be restored to the other systems.�
“Do it! We may not have that much time!�
Celeste connected a final wire and the cockpit went dark. Lance gazed nervously at the ground as it rushed towards them, he could hear a low whine as power built in the engine’s capacitors. Here goes nothing he thought.
A surge of acceleration pressed him back in his seat as the Oni broke free of its tailspin on full afterburn. A cheer went up over the intercom as the crew realized how narrowly they had avoided their doom. The displays were all still dark however and when Lance tested the controls he realized that it had no effect on the ship.
“I told you I’m fine!� Johannsen snapped at the medic who was fussing over a deep cut on the Admiral’s forehead.
“Sir, you have to let me stop the bleeding.�
“Fine, just hurry up. We need to hit this scum hard for what he did.�
Lance, who hadn’t left Johannsen’s side since they landed voiced his opinion, “I’m going this time. You tried to send me away and look where that’s got us. Clearly Mr. X has resources available to him that can counter our defenses. The only way we are going to put an end to this is to cut off the snake’s head. Metaphorically and quite possibly literally. Now Hatch has been doing the math and everything points to an underground lab somewhere on Onyx Prime. We hit him hard by land and air and burn his empire to the ground.�
“It’s a shame you didn’t stay in the Navy son. You would have made one heck of a commander,� Johannsen chuckled. “You’re right though, only problem is what if he’s holed up in a city or other populated area? We can’t go in guns blazing until we know exactly where he’s hiding. Odds are it’ll be the main city on the planet but I can’t order an orbital strike on a civilian city.�
“Sir, there’s got to be a way. It’s clear he hasn’t finished his doomsday missile otherwise he would have used when his spies attacked the station. If we don’t strike now, if we give him a chance to finish…�
“Lance, you don’t have to tell me that, I know. How close would we have to get you and how long would Rupert need to pinpoint Mr. X’s location?� Johannsen inquired.
“If I can get anywhere near orbit, Hatch will find him,� Lance said confidently.
“Good. I’m sending you to Onyx Prime with the battle cruiser Faith. The Hornets will escort you along with the remains of Aries, they’re chomping at the bit for a little payback. You are to scan the surface and disable any anti-air defenses deployed in the area. Marines from the Faith will then land and take over the facility. If possible we would like Mr. X alive and the base intact.�
Lance stood up and saluted, “Yes Sir!�
***
The flight deck was once again a flurry of activity. SARs were still making trips bringing back survivors and triage had been set up on the far side of the bay. Engineers scrambled about making last minute checks on the fighters that would soon be headed into combat. The Hawk had always felt like home to Lance. The bustle of activity, the hum of the ship; there was always something going on and it gave it a living quality. He was sure the people that had manned Outpost # had felt the same way about their home. Time for some payback.
Lance approached the Onimusha with purpose; Hatch and Celeste were perched on one of the wings running diagnostics. “We’re taking the fight to him. No more running, no more hiding, before the day is out I’ll make good on my promise Celeste.�
“What about taking him ali-“ Hatch started.
“No, he doesn’t get off that easy! Not after what he’s done! We’re going, and we’re going to kill him,� Lance’s voice took on a frightening quality and Hatch realized that Mr. X had no idea what he started.
“Oh, by the way,� Celeste interrupted, “There’s a package for you in the cargo bay. Its huge, the tech’s wouldn’t tell me what it was just that we’d need it.�
Lance walked around the ship to the open bay door, inside was a giant steel box. There was an access ladder on the side of it and Lance climbed up. On top near the front of the box a keypad sat right below a clear composite cockpit window. Peering inside Lance could see what looked like a condensed version of a fighter cockpit.
“You like it don’t you?� the voice startled Lance as he looked up to see a marine standing at the bay door.
“What is it?� asked Lance.
“Just a little Alliance toy. Johannsen wants me to tag along with you, thinks my new toy here might be useful. Names Hollywood by the way,� the soldier said.
“Hollywood?�
“Guess everyone kind of sees me as a showoff so, Hollywood. Real name’s Everett. Hope you don’t mind me hitching a ride.�
“Not at all, just keep one thing in mind. I’m not Navy and I don’t take orders. When we get planetside, I have my own agenda and I need you to stay out of my way,� Lance informed him.
“I get it, you think I’m the Admiral’s stooge, that I’m here to keep you on a leash. I just want you to know that, yes, that’s his plan. He really wants this guy alive. To tell you the truth, I’ve always supported the death penalty,� Hollywood said with a smile.
A large grin formed on Lance’s face, “Let’s do this then.� Lance swung down from a top the crate and shook Hollywood’s hand, “Welcome aboard the Onimusha.�
“We’re all set Cap,� Hatch and Celeste came up the boarding ramp, “The fighters are being fueled as we speak so we should get ready.�
“Lance,� Celeste said meekly, “I just want to thank you for everything. If you hadn’t come along, I would have died on that planet…�
“Don’t thank me just yet, you may still get that chance,� Lance said somberly.
“What no intros?� Hollywood asked feeling hurt.
“Oh, where are my manners,� Lance said mockingly, “Everyone this is Corporal Hollywood. Hollywood, everyone. He’s going to be joining us on our little foray to Onyx.�
“And… I brought party favors,� Hollywood said pulling another crate aboard. This one was much smaller than the one already taking up the cargo hold. Opening the lid, Hollywood revealed a treasure trove of military grade weapons hardware. Several assault rifles, handguns, even a few grenades filled the box.
“And here I thought we were going empty handed,� laughed Lance, “Celeste you ever shot one of these before?�
As if on cue, Celeste picked up a pistol, ejected the magazine, checked it and slammed it home. “Dad used to take us to the range,� she said sheepishly after realizing all the men were staring at her.
“I think I’m in love,� Hollywood said as he stepped a little closer to Celeste, “So, where are you from?�
“Settle down big boy, I think we should focus on getting home alive before you ask me for my number.�
“Right, right, so… Later?�
“Ugh!�
Celeste stormed off to the engine room to prep the Oni for departure.
“Was it something I said?� Hollywood asked looking confused.
***
The Hornets, Aries flight and the Onimusha floated in a line formation poised to traverse the Cerulean<>Onyx jump gate. The swirling blue vortex that lay before them seemed to represent their futures. Uncertain, shifting, every potential action could change the outcome of the next few hours. It was torture waiting for the Faith get into position and they had been standing by for over 20 minutes.
“If we don’t hear from them soon, I vote we get this party started without them,� Hollywood broke the silence.
“We’ve been over this,� Lance scolded, “Mr. X has an entire fleet of small fighters, without the cruiser’s support we’re not going to last long.�
“I hate to say it, but I’m almost inclined to agree with Hollywood,� Mikeuk voiced his opinion, “The longer we sit and wait, the more likely one of this guy’s spies will realize that we’re sitting here and we’ll jump right into a trap.�
“Cut the chatter!� SeeJay ordered, “We wait and if we don’t hear back from the Faith, we abort. Remember the enemy has a weapon that can wipe us out with one well placed shot so we can’t do anything rash.�
“I just don’t like sitting here, we really are like ducks in a row queued up like this,� Hollywood complained.
“Faith to all fighters-“
“Thank God,� Hollywood breathed a sigh of relief.
SeeJay rolled his eyes, “We read you, go ahead Faith.�
“We are getting ready to make our final jump to Onyx Prime. Transit time is 1 hour, we will arrive at x,y,z. 30 seconds to jump, you are clear to traverse the gate and proceed to the target area.�
“Roger that Faith, we are enroute,� SeeJay replied, “You heard ‘em boys move out.�
SeeJay throttled up and his Evoch speed towards the gate, the other fighters and the Oni following suit. It would take the group approximately 45 minutes to travel between the systems via the jumpgate and another few minutes to go from the gate to Onyx Prime. Hopefully, they would arrive at the same time as the Faith; arriving too soon before the cruiser or too late would be problematic. It was a tense 45 minutes.
Multiple flashes of light marked the emergence of the group from the jump gate. They quickly spread out into a protective wedge formation. SeeJay headed the group with Mikeuk and Dingo on his port side and Aries flight trailing out on his starboard. The Onimusha kept back 100 decameters but stayed in the center of the formation. The other ships would have to protect it while Hatch worked his magic and scanned the planet.
“Alright group, one more jump and we’ll be in range to commence the operation. Let’s hope that the Faith is on time. Watch each other’s backs I want everyone home after this. And, well, it’s been an honor flying with you all,� SeeJay never had been that great at pep talks.
Celeste grabbed the comm before Lance could engage the jump drive, “I just wanted to thank everyone. Onyx was my home. Mr. X had twisted my life and taken from me everything I loved. So this is for my family and all those lives taken at Outpost #!�
They jumped.
***
The formation of Navy fighters emerged just outside Onyx’s gravity well and Hatch immediately began scanning the planet. It wouldn’t take long for the enemy to realize they were there.
“Let’s make this quick,� SeeJay said nervously, “The Faith hasn’t arrived yet and I don’t want to get stuck fighting an entire fleet in atmo.�
“You can’t rush this,� Hatch snapped, “Just be quiet and let me do my job.�
“Breath buddy, they haven’t even spotted us yet. I got a clean scope,� Lance reassured him.
“Maybe they won’t even see us,� Mikeuk offered.
“I don’t think we’re that lucky,� Dingo countered.
With a bright flash, the Faith exited the warp tunnel and eased into Onyx’s orbit. The Navy pilots let out a sigh knowing that their support was close at hand.
“This is Commander Paulson aboard the Faith, we have entered Onyx orbit and are prepared to assist you Hornet flight.�
“Faith, this is Hornet 1. Happy to have you, so far no enemy contacts. Remember our primary mission is to escort the Onimusha. We’ll transmit the location of the enemy base once it’s location is know and you can send in the marines, we’ll provide cover fire for the dropships,� SeeJay informed the Commander.
“Sir! I just got locked onto, looks like an air defense radar from the planet. They know we’re here!� Dingo exclaimed.
“Hatch, status report?� SeeJay asked.
“Not yet, I’m still scanning.�
“Alright, Hornets, Aries, maintain formation around the Oni. Link your sensors to mine, I’ll designate targets everyone else focus fire on it,� ordered SeeJay.
“Roger,� came the collective call.
Lance’s sensors began to light up as enemy contacts came into range. There had to be at least 30 ships, thankfully there were few actual fighters; the ones that were fighters were outdated and no match for the Evoch-E. The Navy formation looked like a gleaming spear as it angled towards the incoming enemy and prepared to engage.
A barrage of missiles rippled out of the launchers mounted on the Faith and streaked past the navy pilots. On their scanners they could see the enemy formation crumble as the pilots tried to evade the warheads. It was clear that the pilots were inexperienced at actual combat; too much time spent ambushing helpless freighters not enough time facing a real foe. Explosions dotted the space in front of Aries and Hornet as several of the enemy pilots met their demise.
Instead of closing ranks and continuing to advance, the enemy pilots remained scattered, a few pulling ahead of their own support. They would be the first to fall. SeeJay targeted the nearest and with practiced precision, the rest of the pilots opened with a salvo of lasers followed immediately with a burst from their particle cannons. The enemy’s ship could not withstand the punishment and quickly broke apart.
Lance watched the fight intensely as he tried to match the formation’s every move. One at a time, every target that was designated was systematically destroyed. They had taken out 4 more ships when the Faith released another barrage of missiles, scattering the enemy once again.
“I’m zeroing in,� Hatch reported, “The base is somewhere in the north eastern hemisphere, I need you to bring me in closer to pinpoint it though.�
“You heard him boys. Aries take over the fighter screen, we’ll continue to escort. Faith, deploy the Marines. We’ll give the dropships exact coordinates when we have them,� SeeJay ordered.
The Navy formation split apart as the two elements went their separate ways. Aries drawing off a tail that they had gained and Hornet speeding towards the planet’s atmosphere. An enemy Sentinel had gained an advantage over Aries and was hounding them mercilessly. Aries 3 disengaged his IDS and flipped over, pummeling the offending craft with particle bursts. The Sentinel’s shields were quickly overpowered but it was too late to escape. Several solid shots hit home and detonated the ship’s engine core.
In performing the maneuver, Aries 3 had fallen out of formation with the rest of his flight. Re-engaging his IDS he attempted to return to his comrades; a detonation on his starboard side rocked the cockpit. He gazed out his viewport in horror as he identified the swirling blue mass of a warp tunnel. Metal creaked and groaned under the stress of being too close to the gravitational anomaly.
“Watch out!� was all Aries 3 could manage before his ship was torn to pieces.
And just as quickly as it had appeared, the tunnel vanished along with the remains of Aries 3.
“Attention all pilots, the enemy has deployed its experimental weapon tech! Don’t use CMs shoot down all incoming missiles!� Commander Paulson instructed.
“Don’t worry,� SeeJay tried to calm his wingmen, “We’re Hornets, we’re gonna make it. Hatch, status?�
“Got it 87 degrees north, 120 west!� exclaimed Hatch.
“Watch it! We’ve got fighters on our tail!� Lance warned as the enemy fighters opened up.
The Hornets broke formation in an attempt to lose their tail but the enemy pilots stayed focused on the Onimusha. Laser beams and supercharged particles streaked past the cockpit as Lance pulled at the controls trying desperately to avoid the incoming fire. He was having a difficult time maneuvering as Onyx’s atmosphere pulled at the ships frame. Evasive tricks that worked wonders in the vacuum of space continually stalled his craft and forced him to make slower gradual turns that the enemy could easily predict.
“Hollywood! Get in that turret! SeeJay! I could use some help!� Lance said frantically.
“We’re almost back on their six, give us one second.�
A well place particle burst caught the Onimusha on the side damaging the thruster array and setting the craft into a spin. Lance struggled with the controls as he fought to regain control. Looking up through the view screen he could see that the Hornets had re-engaged the fighters. In high orbit he could also make out the marine landing craft dogged by enemy ships as the remainder of Aries flight tried to draw the ships off.
“I’m on him!�
“9 o’clock!�
“Can’t get a lock!�
“Missile inbound! Break! Break!�
“Ha Ha! Got one!�
“This is Marine 1. They’ve taken out our engines. We’re dead in the water!�
The sounds of the battle above played over the comm channel as Lance attempted to fight the laws of physics and level out. The altimeter on his HUD zipped along as the Oni continued its free fall, rapidly approaching 0 meters AGL (above ground level). It had been a good fight Lance thought. If this mission were to be unsuccessful at least the Alliance would know the coordinates of the base and could mount a full assault.
“Celeste, I’m sorry. I didn’t think it would end like this…� He said.
“It’s ok,� Celeste said softly, “We did the best we could. It may not be today, but someone will bring Mr. X down.�
“It’s my fault,� Hatch said somberly, “If I had only been faster getting the coordinates…�
“Hey!� Hollywood shouted, “We’re not done yet. We have to take out the air defense guns or those marine landers won’t even get close. When I tell you to, open the cargo hatch.�
“I don’t see how that giant box is going to help us-“
“Now!�
Lance activated the controls that opened the cargo bay and the large crate inside dropped free. Centrifugal force threw the container out away from the Onimusha as it continued its tailspin. Lance attacked the controls with desperation not willing to give up just yet. Meanwhile Celeste worked feverishly at her station trying to find some way to re-activate the deadened engine.
“Lance! I’ve got a solution, you may not like it,� Celeste said working frantically to re-wire a component, “You’re going to lose everything, shields, weapons, avionics. I’m going to route all power to the engine, like defibrillating a heart. We’ll be down for at least 10 seconds before power will be restored to the other systems.�
“Do it! We may not have that much time!�
Celeste connected a final wire and the cockpit went dark. Lance gazed nervously at the ground as it rushed towards them, he could hear a low whine as power built in the engine’s capacitors. Here goes nothing he thought.
A surge of acceleration pressed him back in his seat as the Oni broke free of its tailspin on full afterburn. A cheer went up over the intercom as the crew realized how narrowly they had avoided their doom. The displays were all still dark however and when Lance tested the controls he realized that it had no effect on the ship.
-
SeeJay
- Captain
- Posts: 3507
- Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2010 9:03 am
- Location: Sweden
First fan fiction
Loved every second of those chapters.
Excellent stuff. Made me bite my nails:-)
Excellent stuff. Made me bite my nails:-)
\"Nothing is impossible, it only takes a bit longer!\"
\"We are not retreating, we are advancing in another direction!\"
http://evochron.junholt.se (Old)
http://www.evochron2.junholt.se (New)
http://mercenary.junholt.se (Map)
http://www.junholt.se/evoschool/index.htm (No spoilers)
-8- Bzzzzzzzzz! -8- -8-
\"We are not retreating, we are advancing in another direction!\"
http://evochron.junholt.se (Old)
http://www.evochron2.junholt.se (New)
http://mercenary.junholt.se (Map)
http://www.junholt.se/evoschool/index.htm (No spoilers)
-8- Bzzzzzzzzz! -8- -8-
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oni14128
- Lieutenant
- Posts: 100
- Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2012 5:36 am
First fan fiction
That maks every second I spent writing it worth while.From post: 153386, Topic: tid=10038, author=SeeJay wrote:Loved every second of those chapters.
Excellent stuff. Made me bite my nails:-)
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Maarschalk
- Captain
- Posts: 7645
- Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:24 am
- Location: USA, Also check your six!
First fan fiction
Amazing, yes ditto here loving every nanosecond!....
Arvoch Alliance Stat:
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
Evochron Legends Stats:
Evochron Mercenary Stats:
Darkness is the absence of Light as Evil is the absence of Good
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Dagran
- Ensign
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Mon Dec 24, 2012 10:15 pm
- Location: Where the contractor pays me.
First fan fiction
Action packed! Love reading those battle scenes Oni! Reminds me of the awesome space combat portions of Oolite fan fiction.
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DaveK
- Global Moderator
- Posts: 4164
- Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:04 pm
- Location: Leeds UK
First fan fiction
next installment? . . . . please!
Callsign: Incoming
Life is like a sewer... what you get out of it depends on what you put into it. - Bob Newhart
Hell is being in a pure platinum asteroid field... with a diamond mining beam
Life is like a sewer... what you get out of it depends on what you put into it. - Bob Newhart
Hell is being in a pure platinum asteroid field... with a diamond mining beam