Altiris Knights:The Fall

Chapter 22:First Strike

The allied militaries arrived to Sarzan, and made the final preparations for a combined attack on Xaraeon, to destroy the uriak growth that had consumed it. If this operation was successful, it would be a severe blow to the uriak invasion forces, which had already lost their primary source at Laakeir. 

Pyros was chosen to lead the attack. He now presented the battle plan.

"The uriak infestation that began at Xaraeon, has progressed far. At first, it was just a few cities. But now, all that plant matter has turned into a large vaguely cone shaped growth, over 20 times the length of a dreadnought. It is a powerful weapon. It can launch smaller uriak pods and etheron charges, powerful enough to destroy a small capital ship in one shot, and severely damage a larger vessel. This attack shall involve boarding it, which will require hundreds of soldiers and equipment. Both in space, and on the surface. The battle on the surface will be especially dangerous, as the uriaks will not be restricted there. In space, they are confined to the growth, which has a hardened exterior, that will protect everything inside from the extreme temperatures of space. The battleships, dreadnoughts and cruisers shall attack first, along with fighter support, to allow the troop carriers to land throughout the growth. All of the support ships will stay in the center of our formation the entire time. Once the troops are deployed, the fleet shall create a perimeter around the growth, preventing defending uriak ships to send reinforcements. This shall be the most dangerous, and by far the most costly operation of this entire war. Load on your ships, and ready yourselves. May light be with us, and may the uriaks suffer for their invasion", Pyros stated.

The operation hall exploded into activity, as pilots rushed to their ships, and the ground troops and equipment began loading.

Unzelar, Valaeon, Rohalla, Freya, Reala and Virneas went over to Kyma and Merela. 

"Will we be split up as well?" Freya asked. "We shall all go together, don't worry", Kyma said. 

"Kyma!" came a call. Telja and Xaltia went over to them, and they embraced. 

"Master Telja, Master Xaltia, we thought you were killed", Kyma said, feeling a measure of relief. 

"We escaped, with difficulty. And, there is someone with us you should meet again", Telja replied.

Several figures in vaguely familiar garbs approached them, one of them standing out from the rest.

"Captain Daren of the Crimson Vipers?" asked Kyma. "Indeed. These three are my senior officers. Keltor, Lorea and Andalin. Where are Akala and Thea? We haven't seen them at the briefing", the pirate replied.

"Following our return from the Republic, they were killed in battle", Kyma replied, after taking a deep breath. "I am sorry to hear that. The first time we met, we fought each other over nothing. But now, nearly 13 years later, we shall fight together, as allies. You were young, with little experience or esteem then. But you have progressed into fine warriors. I am proud to fight with you side by side", the captain said, saluting them. "Likewise, captain", Kyma said, and they returned the salute, and shook hands.

The trainees were somewhat wary of the pirates, but followed their teachers' example, trusting they knew what they were doing.

"Alright, now. It seems we shall be going together. Everyone aboard", Captain Daren ordered.

The pirate ships joined the front of the formation, as the armada of nearly 2400 vessels jumped in small groups to Xaraeon.

...

The armada emerged over the planet, as fighters began deploying, and all eyes locked on the enormous growth, that stretched far out into space. "Look at the size of that thing!" said a fighter pilot. "What can we possibly do against that?" said another.