07

Kingdom of Pharahan

Kepheru Province, Northern Sector

Planet Tannas

18 November 3748 AD

_____________

Callin Tobs couldn't shake the nervous feeling as he stared out at the expansive grass field from his guard post. He wore a thick jacket, to counter the cold night atmosphere. His nervous feeling somehow make his body a little warmer. But it wasn't fear that made him nervous; it was the anticipation of carrying out their upcoming attack operation.

A few weeks prior, their Century Commander, Vicarius Devan Bradlix, had announced that General Alexios had ordered the start of an attack operation on the hyperspace beacon of Planet Tannas.

The Vicarius explained that planet Tannas had been chosen due to its relatively isolated location, far away from more civilized worlds.

After a couple of months of training with the new weapons, the Imperator decided to assess their progress by conducting a test operation.

General Alexios proposed Tannas as the target. While it was not a major operation, it was not a small one either. It involved seven centuries of the field army, including their own, and the Ignis Volantis Task Force as their counterpart in space fleet operations.

Planet Tannas has been under the jurisdiction of Callin's century, which belongs to the 23rd century of Legio II Nikis' base of operations, for a couple of years now. Their assigned task is not extensive; they are responsible for guarding and monitoring the supply line of the Aurelian fleet.

The former Imperator has placed their own hyperbeacon on the planet. It is placed on the other side of the planet, far away from the prying eyes of royal army who garrison here to protect their own hyperbeacon. As a result, it is also their duty to guarding it.

The function of the hyperspace beacon is as its name suggests.

The hyperbeacon emits a distinct signal that fluctuates within the hyperspace. When a ship intends to travel to another planet, it must establish a connection to the signal emitted by the specific planet's beacon in order to navigate to that particular destination. Without this connection, it would be akin to flying blind.

But if Callin's information is correct, soon they will no longer need such a thing as a hyperbeacon due to the new hyperdrive technology that comes with the new ships. If that is true, the Aurelius, and therefore the rebellion, would have a significant advantage. Callin could feel the victorious atmosphere in the air.

So that is the main goal of this operation: to attack the planet with the fleet of Ignis Volantis Task Force, conduct a planetary invasion, capture and destroy the Kingdom of Pharahan's hyperbeacon, and thus make this planet their own.

The Pharahans may try to retaliate, but there is a small chance of that happening because this planet holds no strategic value for them. However, if they do retaliate, it will take them a long time to find their way back to this planet. By that time, this planet will have become a staging ground for their final operation to tackle down the kingdom itself.

-------

A sound of footsteps woke up Callin from his deep thought.

"You could get in trouble if you daydream during your watch duty."

The new arrival revealed himself. A young man wearing the same standard military jacket as Callin. He looked to be the same age as Callin, with his black hair moving with the night wind.

"Deron."

Callin called him, giving a welcoming smile to his friend.

"Welcome to my humble abode."

he said, pointing inside his guard post in a joking manner, inviting Deron in.

"Thank you for your hospitality,"

Deron replied, joking back as he entered and sat in front of Callin.

"What are you doing here? Your guard duty is ove."

Callin asked, handing Deron a mug of hot coffee.

"I just can't sleep."

Deron shrugged, then drank his hot coffee while leaning against the wall of the guard post.

"Because of tomorrow's operation?"

asked Callin, already knowing the answer. Deron nodded in confirmation.

"I know the feeling."

Callin continued.

"I also can't help but feel nervous."

"Yeah, tomorrow will be the first time we will be using our new weapons and tactics. After months of training with them, I just don't want to make a mistake, you know."

Deron expressed his honest opinion. He took another sip of his coffee, trying to calm down his emotion.

"Hey, don't worry. We've trained day and night, every single day, using those things. At this point, we're all already familiar with them,"

Callin reassured him.

"Besides, you're fantastic with the speeder bike. Our small test run on the enemy garrison a while ago was successful because you and the boys did your job well, even if it's just riding a faster and more agile bike."

Callin continued, remembering the event that took place 2 months ago.

Deron chuckled.

"Yeah, it was glorious. Some garrison soldiers didn't even know they had been raided."

"That's because they've never been raided before. They're stationed in the middle of nowhere, so being attacked by enemies, even on a small scale, really caught them off guard. Those royal army soldiers are a bunch of lazy fuckers. They can't even shoot straight."

Callin expressed his disdain for the royal army.

The garrisoned soldiers on this planet and the 23rd Century never had contact, even though they were on the same planet.

As mentioned before, the century's mission was to guard the hyperbeacon. There was no need for skirmishes with them. Though the century knew about the garrison, while the garrison was unaware of their presence.

But, after a couple of units of 74-Z speeder bikes were provided by high command, the Vicarius couldn't wait to test their power.

So they conducted a small raid on the royal garrison. Which also acting as their first contact.

The speeder bikes were fast and agile but had a relatively thin frame.

The "knowledge" indicated that these speeders focused more on speed than survivability, which made them perfect for reconnaissance and hit-and-run tactics.

"And tomorrow, more new weapons will be unleashed on them. They'll never know what hit them."

Deron said, feeling a bit better after his conversation with Callin.

The two friends continued their conversation until midnight, eagerly awaiting tomorrow's arrival.

______________________________

In orbit of Tannas

The next day

-----

In the orbit of planet Tannas, a small fleet of the royal fleet looms. Among them are five Crescent-class battlecruiser, the main combat ship of the Kingdom of Pharahan.

These crescent moon-shaped vessels, with their tip serving as the rear section, showcase a centrally located hangar for fighter craft and are adorned with numerous small round raised structures along their exteriors. The bridge is strategically positioned at the center, overseeing the operations of the ship.

Each Crescent-class battlecruiser measures 850 meters in length, following the curve of its crescent moon shape. They have a width of 100 meters and a height of 50 meters. The color scheme of these vessels predominantly features shades of grey and white.

Given the remote and less strategically significant nature of planet Tannas, a defensive force consisting of five Crescent-class destroyers was deemed suitable.

While smaller in scale compared to the larger fleets that would typically guard more important planets, such as those comprising dozens of ships, these five destroyers provide sufficient defensive capabilities to maintain control over Tannas and protect the hyperbeacon.

It was supposed to be another uneventful day for the crew, until a blue-colored gravitational fluctuation caught their attention, indicating the imminent arrival of a ship emerging from hyperspace.

And indeed, eight ships from the Ignis Volantis Task Force materialized right before the Royal Fleet, marking the beginning of the attack operation.

On one of the crescent ships called the Breaker, the bridge crew was in a state of panic.

The sudden appearance of an unknown fleet caught them completely off guard.

One crewman hurriedly reported to Captain Nusa, who rushed into the bridge.

"Captain! eight unknown vessels just emerged from hyperspace!!"

The crewman informed, his voice filled with nervousness.

"I can see that. What do we know about the enemy vessels?"

Nusa asked, his own anxiety evident as he surveyed the unfamiliar vessels outside his bridge.

The majority of the enemy ships displayed an arrowhead design, varying in size.

However, what truly unsettled him was the sheer scale of these ships, including one particularly large vessel with an elegant curve and a distinct bulbous shape, standing apart from the rest of the enemy fleet.

"We don't have any information on them, sir, but these ships bear some kind of eagle symbol on their hull."

The crewman explained, his voice tinged with fear. He spoke in a hushed tone, aware of Captain Nusa's tendency to punish displays of cowardice.

"Who the hell are these people?"

Nusa exclaimed incredulously. Numerous questions raced through his bald, glistening head.

Is another nation has attacked them ?

If so who ?

Who in this galaxy that have that kind of power to produce such a mighty fleet.

Has another nation launched an attack against them? If so, who could it be? Which faction in this galaxy possesses the power to assemble such a formidable fleet? Is it the Aldebaran Confederacy, seeking to expand its borders?

Or perhaps the Celestial Dominion, attempting to impose its "superior way of life"?

These questions reverberated in his mind.

-----

Meanwhile, on the bridge of the Solis Aeternus, Commander Valeria ordered.

"What is the status of the fleet?"

She asked one of her crewmen.

"All vessel reporting in, Commander. No complications."

The crewman reported from his station.

The ships that the Ignis Volantis task force used is not all of their overall ship.

The ships that they use are 1 MC80 Star Cruiser, 2 Venators, 2 Arquitens, and 3 Consulars. Againts 5 of the Crescent battlecruiser. Which enough for them to test the new ships power.

The Venators also carying the troops and walkers for ground invasion consist of 10 centuries lead by The Optio, Abelus Calvus.

Uniquely, all of their upper hull have an imperial eagle style mark on them.

She gave a nod and asked another question.

"And what about our hyperdrive?"

Valeria inquired, eager to know if their configuration was functioning properly.

"Our hyperdrive engine is operating at 95% power, Commander. It's incredible."

the crewman replied, his tone filled with amazement.

In order to travel faster than light, a ship must utilize a hyperdrive to enter the hyperspace, a separate dimension from the real world. Hyperspace is considered a "lower dimension" compared to the "real dimension" where everyone exists.

However, there is a drawback to hyperspace travel: the hyperspace gradually depletes the ship's power upon entry and continues to do so until the ship exits.

Therefore, the longer the travel distance, the more the ship's energy is consumed by the hyperspace. If the ship runs out of energy, it will be forcibly ejected from hyperspace.

To mitigate this, many vessels need to periodically exit hyperspace to recharge their hyperdrive, a process that typically takes no more than 2 hours.

During a typical journey lasting less than a month, the hyperspace will deplete approximately 20% of the ship's power. This means that even a one-minute journey will experience the same power drain as a month-long travel. If the travel duration exceeds a month, the energy drain from the hyperspace becomes gradually increased.

With the introduction of the new ships and some modifications to the new hyperdrive system, the Science and Engineering division has successfully reduced the power drain in hyperspace travel to just 5%.

This significant improvement has granted them an additional advantage for their fleet.

"Good, the calibration has been a success."

Valeria replied, a satisfied smile on her face. With that report out of the way, she redirected her focus towards the impending battle that was about to commence.

"Connect me to the enemy vessels."

Valeria ordered. The crewman swiftly followed her command, manipulating his station to establish the communication link.

"Connected, Commander."

the crewman confirmed.

Valeria cleared her throat and addressed the enemy vessels with authority, her voice projecting through the comms system.

"Attention to the Royal Fleet vessels, my name is Commander Valeria Gibson of the Ignis Volantis Task Force, serving under the Vis Imperatoris Legion of the Aurelius Grand Fleet. I must inform you that you are currently outnumbered. Surrender the planet and your vessels, and prepare to be boarded. Any other course of action will result in your destruction."

She spoke with conviction, hoping deep down that they would refuse to surrender. An easy victory would be anticlimactic, and she knew they were prepared to fight.

"My name is Captain Nusa Khanu of the Royal Fleet's 45th Division."

A male voice from the enemy fleet responded.

"You are nothing but rebel scum,"

he retorted defiantly.

"We will not surrender anything to you. If you want it, come and get it."

Valeria nodded, accepting the expected response.

"So be it."

she replied firmly.

The crewman terminated the communication and reconnected with the entire fleet, relaying the impending order to attack. Valeria wasted no time.

"All fleet, maintain the attack formation and engage the enemy fleet. Now!"

she commanded, her voice carrying authority and determination.

The flagship, Solis Aeternus, positioned itself at the rear of the formation. The two Venator-class ships took the lead, with the Arquitens and Consular cruisers flanking them, creating a protective perimeter.

Valeria continued, addressing the leader of the Ignis squadron.

"Ignis leader, prepare the fighters and await my order."

Major Juno's voice came through the communication link, responding crisply,

"Aye aye, Commander."

______________________

Booomm!!!!!

booommm!!!!

"Report!"

Nusa's voice pierced through the chaotic atmosphere inside the bridge as the ship continued to be bombarded by the relentless onslaught of the enemy.

The crew scrambled to provide updates amidst the deafening noise and violent shaking of the vessel.

"Our shields are down to 70%, sir!"

A crewman shouted over the cacophony, his voice filled with panic and urgency.

"The rebel vessel is equipped with a highly powerful energy weapon, surpassing our laser beamcaster capabilities!"

The crewman's words hit Nusa like a blow, fueling his frustration and amplifying the gravity of the situation.

"The Chain and the Holder are overwhelmed by the enemy's smaller vessels!"

The crew continued relaying information about the status of the other ships in their fleet, their voices strained and filled with concern.

Nusa's mind raced, trying to come up with a strategy to counter the enemy's overwhelming firepower.

"Close the distance and target the smallest enemy vessel!"

His voice resonated with a mix of desperation and resolve, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily upon him.

The breaker unleashed a barrage of laser beamcaster fire towards the smallest enemy vessel.

However, to their dismay, the rebel ship boasted a powerful deflecting shield, rendering their attacks almost ineffective.

"The rebels are utilizing an incredibly resilient deflecting shield, sir! Our weapons are barely making a dent in its capacity!"

The crewman's incredulous response only added to Nusa's mounting frustration. He gritted his teeth and barked back:

"Then keep firing! Their shield cannot hold forever!"

The breaker relentlessly poured its firepower onto the enemy vessel, each concentrated beam of energy attempting to breach the formidable shield.

Meanwhile, the agile rebel ship deftly evaded the incoming fire with its remarkable maneuverability, frustrating the crew on the bridge.

kabooomm!!!

Another explosion rocked the breaker, sending alarms blaring throughout the bridge, intensifying the already tense atmosphere.

"Silence those alarms!"

Nusa commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos and issued a new order.

"Launch all fighters! Target the largest arrowhead shape vessel and keep their fire away from us!"

------------

As the battle raged on between the Ignis Volantis Task Force and the Royal Fleet, the space transformed into a chaotic symphony of laser fire, painting the void with vivid bursts of energy.

Meanwhile on the bridge of the Solis Aeternus there is no desperate atmosphere like in the breaker, but tense atmosphere still palpable.

It was their first engagement with the enemy using the new ships, and the crew couldn't help but feel a mixture of nerves and anticipation.

"Status on our forces."

Commander Valeria asked which the crew swiftly responded, relaying the information they had gathered.

"Our ships are performing exceptionally well, Commander. Our turbolasers outclass their beamcasters, and our deflector shields are superior."

A crew member reported calmly, with a hint of pride in his voice.

"One of the Consular-class ships sustained mid shield damage due to concentrated enemy fire, but overall, our forces maintain the advantage."

A smile tugged at Valeria's lips as she listened to the encouraging report. All crew on the bridge have the same feeling.

But its soon interrupted by another report from the crew.

"The enemy has launched their fighters, commander. Its going to the venators. Definitely trying do draw out their fire."

Valeria's grin widened. She swiftly gave the order to open a channel to the hangar bay.

"Major, it's time to show the enemy what our fighters are capable of. Are the pilots prepared?"

Valeria inquired, her voice filled with anticipation.

Juno, leader of the X-wing squadrons answer.

"All fighters are ready, Commander."

Valeria's eyes sparkled with as she issued the final command.

"Launch the fighters!"

The hangar bay doors opened, and one by one, the sleek T70 X-wings soared out of the Solis Aeternus, their engines humming with power. The squadrons of X-wings formed up and swiftly maneuvered towards the enemy fighters, ready to engage.