War for the Iron Planet

Chapter 31: The Battle Begins

Jasken grimaced as he looked out from the bridge of the Wingspan to see the advancing fleet of star trees landing a few hundred yards from the fort's front entrance, indicating that they'd likely be staging a ground assault alongside whatever Naval assets they'd be utilizing. Scouts had reported the arrival of a royal star tree as well as a parlay between the Astralbians and the Ramshackle Collective, so he was not entirely surprised by the sudden move, but he dreaded it nonetheless.

After directing all personnel to battle stations, he called Talon Squad, Drixen, Captains Hunt and Fenrik, Dekken, and Mairen to the bridge.

"Where do we stand, folks?" asked Jasken as he paced the polished floor of the bridge.

"The base's EM shields are fully functional," said Fenrik, "so we should be able withstand a blast or two from that royal star tree's great eye. Given the shield's resiliency and the time it takes to charge an eye like that, we should be able to withstand their fire, at least for a while."

"And our guns?" asked Jasken.

"Fully operational," confirmed Dekken. "Ballistic cannons should work well against star trees, but we'll have decent energy weapon capabilities as well. They'll be sapped somewhat going through our shields, but the directionality of the shielding will mitigate that."

"Hold off on energy weapons unless and until the Ramshackle Collective shows up," commanded Jasken. "What about our ripmed drive?"

"Fully operational according to our tests and diagnostics, but untried," responded Dekken. Jasken nodded.

"Mairen," said the Admiral, addressing the Communications Officer. "Our satellites have been keeping an eye on both the Collective and the FRF. What are their positions?"

"Both parties made ripmed jumps. The FRF just after our people returned from their fleet and the Collective just after the Astralbians launched their star trees.

"We suspect the Collective is simply engaging in a double-back maneuver. They'll pop up somewhere nearby shortly, I'm sure.

Jasken frowned, pausing. "At our backs, I'd assume. But what about the FRF?"

"No idea, sir," said Mairen with a shrug. "We really don't know anything about their reasoning."

"I suppose they don't owe us anything," said Jasken with an air of defeat. "Regardless, Drixen, I want you and your squads ready to scramble; Talon Squad, coordinate with Captain Fenrik and his scouts to keep our perimeter secure. Dekken, please return to your post, make sure your engineers are ready to address any damage from the battle. Mairen, Captain Hunt, you're with me. The others left in a chorus of "yes, sirs" and nods.

No sooner had everyone cleared the room than a comm came in from Raelik.

"Raelik, if you're hoping to finish us off easily, you've got another thing coming," said Jasken, his face cold and his body rigid.

"Jasken, Jasken, don't be ridiculous," cooed Raelik. "Just give us the cylinder and we'll be on our way. At this point, we all know that's what this is about."

"Right. I'm afraid I can't simply give you Republic property. Not to mention the fact that you've killed many of my people, and nothing short of killing you myself would give me as much pleasure as keeping you from getting your hands on that cylinder. I'm exceedingly grateful to say that we can now drop all pretense of diplomacy, as you have decided to make war on the Republic over Hittania and its associated finds and resources."

"Are you certain this is the path you want to take, Jasken?"

"It's the path you've chosen," Jasken responded, his face twisting in a sneer, "and you'll come to regret it. Get off my planet before I wipe you off of it." He turned from the screen and nodded to Mairen to terminate the communication.