Tales from New Terra

Chapter 3: The Shot Heard 'Round The World

New Terra City, Capital District
January 32, 51 After Arrival, 14:59

A column of Marines formed up around President Bennet and his entourage as they made their way out of the winding halls of the Nagglfar. Upon reaching the late afternoon sunshine outside, the Marines in parade uniform were replaced by another column, this time in full CMC-400 power armor. Bennet, Tygore and Vice President Megan Kusinis were motioned towards the presidential limo, and the rest of his cabinet directed towards a second car following close behind. Eight deceptively well-armored Light Tactical Vehicles formed up around the two cars, quickly clearing a path through the city streets.

Bennet tapped the driver's seat. "Take us to the port."

The supercarriers had the remarkably good fortune of landing near a deep-water harbor.

Bennet turned to his Secretary of Defense. "What can we respond with?"

"Not much, unfortunately," was the response. "The distress signal originates from about a thousand kilometers off our coast. The only sea-going assets we have right now are a few patrol boats, and those won't get there in time. Air cover is an option, though. Our fighters are well within range, and then one of our patrol boats can rendezvous and guide them towards Dukesport. Just give the order, Mr. President."

"What about anti-air? We're in unknown territory, and I don't want our pilots getting shot down on their first combat mission."

Tygore had his response ready. "Sir, Director Kelerchian informs us that the recon drone caught up to the flotilla just a few minutes ago. Photos suggest the signal is coming from what look like 400 year old steamships. I wouldn't be too worried. In the meantime, we'll be headed to Dukesport to welcome our guests."

Bennet's Secretary of State Amanda Holt butted in over the intercom. "With all due respect, sir, are we seriously considering a military strike as our first impression? We have no idea the consequences this could have on any potential relations with the natives! Not to mention, do you even have the authority for this? Has the Senate -"

President Tyler Bennet could feel a headache coming on. "With all due respect, Madam Secretary, innocent lives are at stake! I will accept the full consequences of my actions after this matter is settled." Great, he thought. Not a day into the presidency and he was already caught in a scandal. "We will escort the refugees to safety. Try to hail the hostile fleet. If they don't respond, tell our boys they are authorized to open fire." "And if they do, the Senate will have my head," was the unspoken continuation. Bennet wondered if he would be the first leader in human history to be removed from power within a day of taking office.

For the New Terran Air Force, however, orders were orders, and in less than a minute, pilots at the nearby Capitol Airbase were scrambling to their fighters.

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Somewhere to the South:

"Captain, enemy ships closing within firing distance!"

"I can see that, you fool!" Captain Loras Farlan of the Longbow put down his spyglass. "Helmsman! Signal the rear guard. Have them turn to starboard and bring their broadsides to bear. The convoy will cross the Wall of Storms. Inform the rear guard they are to fall back once the refugees are through the Wall." His two light cruisers at the back of the convoy were hopelessly outmatched by the Lourian battlecruiser and its three heavy cruiser escorts, but he needed to buy time.

His XO interrupted him, asking "Captain, that's suicide! No ship in our history has crossed the Wall and returned! We-"

"And so, we should let the Lourian bastards enslave our people? Helm! Execute your orders!"