Chapter – 12: Operation Start

Within hours of finalising the decision, the expeditionary fleet assembled, amassing thousands of warships that gradually advanced towards the system's edge.

Led by the flagships of the six superpowers, the fleet presented an awe-inspiring sight. Frigates and heavy cruisers formed the vanguard, followed by imposing battleships and colossal dreadnoughts.

Within hours of finalising the decision, thousands of warships from the expeditionary fleet advanced towards the system's edge. Led by the flagships of the six superpowers, this awe-inspiring assembly was likely the grandest ever mustered in human history. Frigates and heavy cruisers formed the vanguard, with imposing battleships and colossal dreadnoughts following. United, they had a singular purpose: to defend human sovereignty.

In addition to the main fleet, a nimble cadre of light cruisers, led by the Union's famed fast battlecruisers, held formation. Designated as diversionary forces for the initial strike, their sleek profiles and swift movements provided a stark contrast to the larger vessels, emphasizing their unique and critical role in the upcoming battle.

Their sleek profiles and swift movements contrasted sharply with the imposing bulk of the main fleet, yet their role was no less critical in the battle that lay ahead.

The crew was on edge. Some whispered prayers, others ran system checks, and a few tried to lighten the mood with laughter. The impending battle weighed on everyone's minds.

The Rigel, a standout vessel, integrated seamlessly into the formation, navigating amidst the support craft and carriers.

As preparations for the jump reached their final stages, the recon drones were primed for launch. These drones would spearhead the first phase of the operation, aptly named 'Trident', setting the stage for the subsequent manoeuvres of the mighty fleet.

Moments later, the drones vanished, leaving only streaks of luminescence against space. Now in a state of heightened anticipation, the fleet awaited the crucial intel these drones would relay.

From the bridge, Zephyr gazed out at the vast expanse, the twin Alcubierre drives humming with power, primed for a mid-system jump. A sheen of perspiration formed on his forehead as he wrestled with his thoughts. Zephyr took a deep breath, muttering to himself, "Stay focused. We've got the upper hand."

Within a short span, most of the drones returned, their exteriors bearing only minor signs of wear and tear, save for a few missing components.

As the data began to flood the Battle Net, the formidable image of the Virelian super dreadnoughts came into sharp focus. These behemoths were equipped with gargantuan plasma turrets on their flanks, capable of vaporizing all but the most formidable human warships.

The smaller Virelian vessels were positioned as anticipated, nestled between the larger ships. However, a new revelation caught the fleet's attention, a massive station, its design unlike anything they had seen before, orbited the planet. Between this colossal structure and Prospera, countless tiny dots moved, likely ships or transports, accompanied by a dense array of what appeared to be archaic satellites.

The station's sudden appearance flustered Zephyr, he hadn't expected the enemy to erect such a colossal structure in a mere three months. Regardless, they had to commence the assault.

Zephyr's eyes narrowed, "Ayame, patch me through to Commodore Ling Ke and Vice Admiral Pierre. They need to see this."

Without hesitation, Ayame acknowledged with a swift nod and began relaying the information throughout the Battle Net.

Almost instantly, acknowledgements from the various ships echoed through the communication channels, confirming receipt of the new intel. The UN Coalition Command gave the green light, signalling the fleet to proceed.

Seeing that they had no time spare, Zephyr took a deep breath"Prepare for jump," he commanded, his fingers gripping the armrest tightly, voice echoing through the bridge. "Initiate in 5...4...3...2...1. Jump."

As he uttered the final word, a surge of energy pulsed through the fleet, and the vast expanse of ships vanished, leaving behind only the shimmering purple trails of pure energy.

…

Prosperan System,

00:00 hours

The fabric of space seemed to ripple and shimmer as the decoy fleet materialized in the system, swiftly, manoeuvering into their designated positions, ready to draw the attention of the Virelian warships.

From the helm of the ESS Courbet, Vice Admiral Kiefer Fischer's voice ordered. "All ships set course for the gas giant. Deploy solar sails to the maximum!"

In response, the two-thousand-strong fleet ignited their thrusters, propelling forward with unmatched velocity. The gleaming solar sails unfurled, catching the radiant energy of the system's star, and adding to their momentum. The formation surged towards the enemy, a formidable force ready to engage.

The vast expanse of space was set ablaze by the luminous trails of the decoy fleet's thrusters. At the forefront, the ESS Courbet blazed a path, its solar sails catching the distant starlight and gleaming like a beacon amidst the void.

Vice Admiral Fischer's voice was steady, "Maintain formation. Our job is to pull their focus, giving the main fleet its opening."

Moving as one, the ships resembled a constellation in motion, converging on the gas giant. Their synchronized advance and sheer velocity were unparalleled. The Virelian fleet, caught off guard by the bold manoeuvre, began to reposition their behemoths, attempting to intercept the oncoming swarm.

Alarms resounded as Virelian ships fired torrents of plasma. Their radiant bolts streaked through space, threatening destruction.

But in a masterful display of coordination, the fleet suddenly bifurcated, each half veering off in parallel directions.

Almost immediately, a series of determined voices crackled over the comms. Captain Lorne of the ESS Valiant was the first, his voice resolute, "All hands, divert power to engines and take us deep into the asteroid belt!"

This was swiftly followed by Captain Elara of the USS Manhattan, her tone equally unwavering, "Engines at maximum thrust! Navigate us into the heart of the asteroids!"

One by one, other captains chimed in, their orders echoing the same sentiment. The collective determination was clear, they would use the asteroid belt to their advantage, seeking both cover and a tactical edge.

The human fleet's sudden change in direction surprised the Virelians. They were used to direct confrontations and hadn't expected such a nimble manoeuvre from the larger ships. As the two formations weaved their way into the asteroid field behind the gas giant's moon, the rugged expanse of space rocks provided a natural shield, obscuring them from the Virelian's prying sensors.

The asteroids, varying in size from tiny pebbles to massive boulders, created a maze-like environment. The human fleet, being accustomed to such scenarios, navigated the treacherous terrain with precision, using the rocks as both cover and vantage points.

The Virelian superdreadnoughts, massive and slow, hesitated at the asteroid field's entrance knowing their smaller escorts couldn't protect their sides in such terrain.

Vice Admiral Kiefer Fischer directed his fleet deeper into the asteroid field, using the unpredictable shadows cast by the asteroids as cover. This terrain provided an advantage, allowing them to hide and set up ambush points.

The ships nestled themselves behind these massive rocks, their hulls blending seamlessly with the cold, grey surface of the asteroids.

"Deploy mines," Fischer commanded, his voice echoing through the comms of every ship. Small pods were released from the ships, floating into strategic positions. Once activated, these mines would serve as deadly traps for any Virelian ship daring to venture too close.

Simultaneously, the fleet's electronic warfare units sprang into action. Waves of disruptive signals were sent out, aimed at confusing and jamming the Virelian's advanced sensors. The goal was to create a smokescreen of electronic noise, making it difficult for the enemy to pinpoint the exact locations of the human ships.

They combined physical and electronic subterfuge to buy time. Every moment the Virelians spent navigating the asteroid field and contending with the electronic interference was another ship they could draw from their formation.

Vice Admiral Fischer's voice, calm but determined, resonated once more, "Hold positions and stay alert. We need to keep them engaged and off-balance until the strike fleet arrives." The crew nodded and braced themselves for the imminent confrontation.

The sleek Virelian cruisers ventured cautiously into the asteroid belt, but their caution was met with a barrage of explosions. Mines, strategically placed by Fischer's fleet, detonated upon contact, turning the first wave of Virelian ships into fiery debris. The initial shock and losses forced the cruisers to halt their advance, reevaluating their approach.

Realizing the danger of the mines, the Virelians deployed their gargantuan super dreadnoughts. These massive, 3-kilometre-long ships, equipped with formidable energy shields, were designed to withstand immense damage slowly they began their deliberate advance, the shields absorbing and deflecting the explosions from the mines clearing a path for the smaller ships to safely follow.

From his vantage point, Captain Fischer watched with a predatory gleam in his eyes. He had anticipated this move. The super dreadnoughts, while powerful, were not as agile as the smaller cruisers which made them easy prey within the confines of the asteroid belt.

He waited patiently, allowing more of the Virelian titans to enter the trap. Once ten of these colossal ships were deep within the belt, Fischer saw his opportunity.

Fischer's voice was low, almost a whisper, "Get ready, everyone. It's time."

The human fleet, hidden behind asteroids and amidst electronic smokescreens, charged their weapons.

The instant the Virelian behemoths reached the heart of the asteroid belt, with a determined nod, Fischer gave the order, "Engage!"

The void of space was instantly illuminated with a dazzling display of firepower. Streaks of bluish-purple light, the signature glow of the Union's Ion Cannons, pierced the darkness. The brilliant yellow flare of the European Solar Lances contrasted sharply, their intense beams cutting through space.

The younger crew members, unaccustomed to the scale of such confrontations, watched in awe as the ships unleashed a barrage on the Virelian warships. Battles of this magnitude hadn't been witnessed in the decades after the Green Rebellion.

A bridge officer, his hands clasped in fervent prayer, whispered, "May God be with us."

In the wake of the advanced weaponry, traditional cannons boomed with missiles homing in on the Virelian vessels with unerring accuracy.

Nearby mines, magnetically drawn to the superdreadnoughts, detonated upon contact with their shields, causing momentary stutters in their advance. But it was the piercing intensity of the solar lances that proved most devastating. Striking the forefront of the Virelian ships, they overloaded the already strained energy shields. Bereft of their protective barrier and facing weapons specifically designed to pierce thick Titanium plating, the Virelian vessels were shredded, their lack of armour proving to be their undoing.

As the Virelian ships erupted into azure infernos, an unexpected spectacle unfolded. From the station orbiting Prospera, a swarm of craft, reminiscent of terrestrial crabs with eight arms extending from their sides, began to pour forth. The ends of these arms culminated in brilliant plasma torches. Their numbers grew with each passing second.

A radar officer, his voice tinged with urgency, announced, "Vice Admiral, unidentified strike craft inbound!"

Eyes widening in a mix of astonishment and trepidation, a young officer leaned forward slightly, his eyebrows furrowing in deep concern. "What in the heavens are those things?" he uttered, his voice tinged with a blend of awe and anxiety.

The uncertainty of these new adversaries, coupled with the sheer number of them, sent a chill down Fischer's spine. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he decisively commanded, "Signal the main fleet. We need them to engage, now!"

Almost instantaneously, a sleek comms ship, its hull shimmering with the intricate devices of state-of-the-art quantum communicators, began transmitting the urgent message across the vast void.

Yet, mere moments after its transmission, the ship found itself besieged by the Virelian crab-like strike craft.

The captain's voice crackled over the comms, a desperate plea, "We're under attack! They're breaching the hull! Assistance requi—" His transmission was abruptly cut off. With its minimal armour, the ship was defenceless against the enemy's fierce plasma torches, and it was rapidly consumed in a fiery explosion as they breached the nuclear reactor.

Nearby frigates sprang to action unleashing a barrage of anti-aircraft fire, cutting down swathes of the crab-like assailants. They formed a protective shield around the Union's Fast Battleships, which were notably vulnerable due to their limited CIWS systems.

The battleships' design prioritized the massive Ion Cannons, which required extensive heat sinks mounted on their flanks, leaving them exposed to smaller, agile threats. But as the relentless swarm of Virelian crafts continued.

But the sheer number of the Virelian crafts was staggering. The initial defensive efforts of the 500 frigates, though valiant, began to wane under the relentless onslaught of the enemy swarm.

Vice Admiral Fischer's eyes darted across the holographic display, witnessing the fiery demise of countless ships under his command. With a heavy heart, he barked, "All ships, break formation! Exit the asteroid belt and regroup at the main fleet's warp point."

The Courbet's captain approached Fischer, "Admiral, are we sure about the retreat? It's risky. Maybe there's another way."

Fischer's expression darkened, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knew the captain's concerns were valid, but the circumstances were dire. "Captain," he began, his voice stiff, "our strike craft are being overwhelmed. Without carriers in our fleet, our options are limited. We must retreat."

The captain's shoulders slumped, the reality of their situation sinking in. They would have to make sacrifices, and good men would die as a result of that. With a resigned nod, he issued the command, "Prepare for a tactical withdrawal!"

The crew, their resolve evident in their faces, echoed in unison, "Understood, Sir!" Orders were rapidly relayed to the rest of the fleet's captains.

But amidst the chaos, a sudden, violent explosion resonated from the direction of the ANS Alugoro. Its once-mighty engines now spewed flames and debris. An emergency transmission crackled through the comms, a voice filled with panic and desperation "Mayday! Mayday! We've sustained critical damage. Jump drives offline, and we're haemorrhaging oxygen from the stern. Immediate assistance required!"

Vice Admiral Fischer's eyes widened as the distress call pierced the tense atmosphere of the bridge. The ANS Alugoro, one of their key vessels, was now a sitting duck amidst the chaos.

Fischer felt his heart become heavy, memories of lost comrades from past battles flooding back. He shook his head, pushing the emotions aside. 'Not now,' he thought. Beside him, Lieutenant Kara's eyes glistened, her hand instinctively reaching for the pendant around her neck, a gift from a friend stationed on the Alugoro.

"Get a rescue team to the Alugoro, now!" Fischer barked, his voice filled with urgency. "Deploy protective cover around her and initiate emergency repairs!"

Crew members scrambled to their stations, coordinating with nearby ships to form a protective perimeter around the crippled Alugoro. Every second counted, and Fischer knew that the longer the ship remained exposed, the greater the risk to its crew and the mission at large.

"Prepare for a tactical retreat," Fischer continued, his gaze fixed on the holographic display showing the positions of the ships. "We need to regroup and reassess. The Virelians have thrown us a curveball, and we need to adapt."

The fleet began its disengagement, but the situation had grown dire. Thousands of Virelian Crabs swarmed around them, their numbers ever increasing. Without dedicated fighter craft for support, the chances of escaping the combat zone dwindled.

A deafening explosion echoed from the rear of a Union Fast Battleship. Its reactor suffered a catastrophic meltdown, culminating in a brilliant, yet haunting, yellow burst of light, marking the demise of the ship and its valiant crew.

Frustration evident in his demeanour, Fischer slammed his fist onto his terminal, his voice laced with desperation. "Damn it! We're losing ships too quickly. Where is the main fleet?"

Suddenly the craft jolted violently, throwing Fischer off balance, as alarms blared, panicked voices from the bridge crew filled the air. "Vice Admiral, Virelian cruisers are targeting our hull! We're sustaining significant damage. What are our orders?"

Enemy plasma beams seared through space, their intense heat melting large sections of the ship's titanium plating. Although the Courbet retaliated, their weapons struggled against the Virelian defences.

The lances, designed to be devastatingly effective, merely pierced the shields of the smaller, frigate-sized Virelian ships without causing the desired destruction. The sheer number of these nimble adversaries made evasive manoeuvres nearly impossible.

Fischer's hand clenched into a fist, his mind racing. "What can I do, the situation is getting worse by the minute, the plan has completely fallen apart." he thought grimly.

Amidst his contemplation, an explosion from a nearby ship sent a shower of debris hurtling towards the Courbet, compromising its visual guidance systems.

Despair threatened to consume Fischer as relentless beams continued to strike, crippling system after system on the Courbet. He felt cornered, with dwindling options at his disposal.

…

TBC