Cerberus Stirs

[Gallion]

This is a continuation of the Prelude to the Dance and Gamma Omega threads. I will be using this thread for Cerberus encounters

All are welcome to post, even if the post does not pertain to Cerberus

TTFN

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

Cmdr. Gallion

GCV Graf Spee

Commander, Corsair Wing

=Wraith Fleet=

Bushi of the Dragon Council

"Run Silent, Run Deep"

ICQ# 29486270

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 10-18-1999).]

[Gallion]

[rp]

1522, March 14, 3008

LV-104/Alpha Cygni

Cerberus Starbase and GCV Graf Spee

ÔÇ£Then you understand our plight then Colonel?ÔÇØ Gallion said, ÔÇ£Nothing within the base can be allowed to fall into Gammulan hands.ÔÇØ

The face of Colonel Arnold grimaced some as he realized the implications of what he had just heard. He was not surprised. In fact, he was shocked that it would be so. Since its establishment and activation, Cerberus Starbase was doomed to non-existence. IOW, it would become a speed bump within the path of the Gammulans should they become militant. That time has come and the fate of those left on and near the starbase knew what the outcome would be; death and destruction - surrender is not an option. The Gammulans are not known to take prisoners of war.

ÔÇ£Yes Commander, I understand,ÔÇØ Colonel Arnold replied, ÔÇ£what about the IC project?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£What project are you talking about Colonel?ÔÇØ

Colonel Arnold stared at Gallion in quasi-disbelief when he heard my reply. To tell the truth, Gallion had no idea what the Colonel was referring to. TheyÔÇÖre so many projects of one type or a another going on at Cerberus that Gallion hadnÔÇÖt a clue to what each was. All Gallion did was sign off and authorized them.

ÔÇ£The Solarin Project Sir,ÔÇØ Arnold replied, ÔÇ£you authorized that six months ago.ÔÇØ

Six months ago, where the hell was Gallion six months ago, he thought to himself. ÔÇ£Send me a summary Colonel,ÔÇØ Gallion said.

Colonel Arnold sent Gallion a summary without replying and waited for his decision. The old Corsair quickly scanned the summary and bellowed, Holy S, to no one in particular, you mean it works?

That is what the preliminary reports would suggest Sir, Arnold explained, However, all the tests were conducted in controlled environments. Field-testing has not been conducted. They were scheduled to commence

ÔÇ£Now. I presume,ÔÇØ Gallion said interrupting Colonel Arnold, ÔÇ£that the Gammulans have conveniently interrupted. ÔÇ£Where is the project located?ÔÇØ

Colonel Arnold nodded as he replied, ÔÇ£Pad 51 Sir, near the..ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Standard package displacement I see,ÔÇØ Gallion said not allowing Arnold to finish, ÔÇ£Ok, IÔÇÖll send a shuttle to pick it up. In fact I will send two shuttles. You will receive their mission order and fill them up Colonel. We donÔÇÖt have much time. Graf Spee OUT!ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Ready SH1 and SH2, need 2 SEs, 2 FEs, and 4 Marines for each shuttle,ÔÇØ Gallion said to the bridge crew as he typed the mission orders into his datapad. This would be a delicate mission. One that just might get interrupted by the Gams. With that note, Gallion added a few more lines to the mission orders and more orders, ÔÇ£IC1 and IC2 will provide escort.ÔÇØ As soon as the Corsair said that, he sent the mission orders to Cerberus Starbase. The stealth wing will deploy as one this time. Gallion thought that there is always a first for everything. A peculiar grin spread across his face as he studied the Solarin Project summary in detail. For the first time since waking, the Corsair Wing Commander received some good news, really good news.

1520 GST, March 14, 3008

Debris Field, Chalinis/Alpha Gamma

GCV Prinze Eugen

ÔÇ£It worked Commander,ÔÇØ Tactical reported, ÔÇ£the Gams went for the bait and destroyed the Decoy.ÔÇØ

There is a god, Gweedo thought to himself. The Prinze had defied the odds and took a beating doing so. Most of the ship systems were down due to the recent Gammulan commando raid, which had only just recently been neutralized. There were no prisoners. Only the Life Support system remained operational. The Gams made Gweedo pay before they were fooled by the decoy that was launched accidentally. Gweedo didnÔÇÖt even know that the Prinze Eugen had a decoy aboard. He wondered what else he would find.

Gweedo couldnÔÇÖt worry about what he might have. He had to worry about what was and how bad off the Prinze Eugen was now.

ÔÇ£Report Chief,ÔÇØ Gweedo said to his Chief Engineer, ÔÇ£how bad is it?ÔÇØ

Well Sir, it is like this  , the Chief Engineer said as he began rattle off the damage.

The Chief kept going and going and Gweedo began to feel a tad bit of despair. If it werenÔÇÖt for the Solar Panels, the Prinze would be in real trouble.

ÔÇ£How long Chief,ÔÇØ Gweedo asked, ÔÇ£how long before we are operational?ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£3 hours partial,ÔÇØ the Chief began, ÔÇ£and inchalla after that Commander.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Inchalla..?ÔÇØ Gweedo asked, not knowing what the word meant.

God willing, when-ever, when it gets done, was the reply.

ÔÇ£Ok, Ok, I get the picture. Keep me posted,ÔÇØ Gweedo said in despair as he slumped further into his command chair. His first mission in his first command almost ended in disaster. If it were not for that decoy accident, Gweedo and the Prinze Eugen would have become a permanent part of this debris field. Gweedo shuddered as he thought about the possibilities as he stared at the black, blank bridge viewer.

1524, March 14, 3008

LV-104/Alpha Cygni

GCV Graf Spee

ÔÇ£SH1 Launched. SH2 Launched. IC1 Launched. IC2 Launched. Stealth Wing away Commander,ÔÇØ was the report that Gallion heard from the Flight Officer. He watched the TacOps display and saw nothing. Excellent, Gallion thought, at least that works. The Stealth Wing did not register on any of the Graf SpeeÔÇÖs sensor displays, including the SES array.

The Stealth WingÔÇÖs mission was simple. Recover a research project that had not reach field trials before the Gammulans arrive. Hopefully this mission could be completed before company arrives. Fat chance of that happening, Gallion thought as he scanned the incoming intelligence reports. If that is what you could call them. LP/OP after LP/OP quit sending data, one after another. To make matters worse, Gallion has not received any reports from the rest of Corsair Wing. Aside from the BIO-GEN message, nothing has been coming in for the past ten minutes. I have no idea what is left of my command. Here in orbit around LV-104, I look at a doomed facility. A facility that Gallion had sweated over the years to build.

ÔÇ£Stealth Wing on approach to Pad 51 Commander,ÔÇØ Gallion heard, ÔÇ£docking clearance has been given, ETA 1 minute.ÔÇØ

Gallion acknowledged the report with a nod of my head. Something is not right. Gallion felt, he felt as if he was being watched but there is nothing to see, nothing to touch, nothing detected. Everything is in order. The Graf Spee was rigged for silent running. She was a just another dark mass in a dark universe. A wolf amongst the sheep or a sheep amongst the wolves. Rico interrupted GallionÔÇÖs reverie.

ÔÇ£Commander! Enemy on the scope!ÔÇØ Rico yelled, ÔÇ£Gammulan warships and transports. They are heading for LV-104 Sir!ÔÇØ

Tell me something I donÔÇÖt know, Gallion thought before saying, ÔÇ£Notify Cerberus, tell them company is coming.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Aye Sir!ÔÇØ was the reply from the comms station.

Tell Cerberus that we will assist when and where we can, Gallion added in retrospect. Which in turned caused several heads of the bridge crew to turn towards him in amazement. We cant just abandon those people down there, Gallion said in explanation more to himself than to the bridge crew, we will provide TAC Air and Space support until the Stealth Wing returns. After that  who knows.

1525, March 14, 3008

LV-104/Alpha Cygni

Command Center, Cerberus Starbase

ÔÇ£Incoming message from the Graf Spee Colonel,ÔÇØ Lt.Jg. Halsey said from the comms station, ÔÇ£and Pad 51.ÔÇØ

Colonel Arnold read the messages and grunted his reply. The ColonelÔÇÖs duty to the Graf Spee was done and now he had to prepare a reception for the Gammulan swarm that was sure to come. Which was confirmed by the latest message from the Graf Spee. The battle hardened marine contemplated his situation before coming to a decision. He knew that Cerberus defenses had a snowballÔÇÖs chance in Hades to survive the upcoming engagement with the Gams but at least they would have partial orbital support. Support that he would have limited control over.

ÔÇ£Status report,ÔÇØ the Colonel said to his operations staff in the command center.

ÔÇ£All defenses activated, SALs, SAMs, Minefields, Aircraft, and Ground units are ready and standing by their stations Colonel,ÔÇØ a young Lt. said, ÔÇ£demo charges are in the process of being setup through out..."

ÔÇ£Excellent, have all units prepare BIO-GEN defenses and have them suit up,ÔÇØ Colonel Arnold ordered, interupting the young Lt's report. No reason for them to be caught off guard. It was tough enough to fight a battle as it is and it would be even harder with the BIO-GEN protective suits and masks on.

ÔÇ£That includes everyone gentlemen,ÔÇØ Arnold added as he began to suit up. Looking around in disbelief, the command center personnel began to follow the ColonelÔÇÖs example and began to dawn their protective equipment. This was gonna become nasty.

1525, March 14, 3008

LV-104/Alpha Cygni

Corsair Research Center, Pad 51, Cerberus Starbase

ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt care want you have to do Dr.,ÔÇØ the old marine yelled to the Solarin Project Manager, ÔÇ£get that package ready for immediate transport. Even if it is still in crates.ÔÇØ

Gunnery Sergeant York was livid. He had a very simple task, recover the Solarin Project and transport it back to the Graf Spee, along with anything else that looked promising. His main obstacle was Dr. No, lead tech puke and overall high mucky-mucky in charge of the Solarin Project. It seems that the good Dr. was not notified of the recent changes that have occurred in the Gammulan Quadrant.

ÔÇ£Look Doc,ÔÇØ York began, ÔÇ£If you have a problem with all this, take it up with Commander Gallion when you see ÔÇÿim next.ÔÇØ The blood drained a little from Dr. NoÔÇÖs face when he realized just the implications of what Gunny York had said.

But, but, that would Dr. No replied before York cut him off.

ÔÇ£Yep,ÔÇØ Gunny York said with an evil grin on his face, ÔÇ£you got that right Doc, you also fit the part and anything else that looks promising of my orders. You gots 2 mikes to get your bags packed. YouÔÇÖll be coming with us. Ok people, letÔÇÖs get this show moving. The Gams will not wait for us to finish.ÔÇØ

A flurry of activity followed Gunny YorkÔÇÖs last words as people moved out to accomplish what they came to do at Pad 51. Get the Solarin Project and sky-boo-boo outta there. Hopefully before the Gams decide to pay a visit.

[/rp]

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

Cmdr. Gallion

GCV Graf Spee

Commander, Corsair Wing

=Wraith Fleet=

Bushi of the Dragon Council

"Run Silent, Run Deep"

ICQ# 29486270

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 10-15-1999).]

[Ben Somerset]

This one doesn't quite involve Cerberus, but it does involve other sensitive materials.

[RP]

Location: Cyron VI, Cyron

Date: 14 March, 3008. 1530 hrs.

GCV Sutherland

The Sutherland sat cloaked at the edge of the Cyron region, quietly waiting. Commander Cassandra Newhome had not exactly liked her orders to be out in enemy territory on silent recon. She had made sure that the Sutherland had a clear LOS (Line of Sight) to the Pravis jumpgate. That way, when they detected enemy ships, they could use the comm laser to warn the Rodney without being detected themselves. Rodney would warn Wraith, and prepare them as well.

Cassandra did not like her assignment, but as SIN Wing XO, she knew why Somerset had given the job to her. Simply put, next to him, she was most qualified. And since he was needed at Wraith, she was the next logical choice. While giving Cassandra her orders, Somerset had made one thing quite plain. "You will not engage enemy forces. Report their movement through Cyron, and nothing more. Once they're gone, make your way to friendly territory. I want you to make it back alive, Cassandra. We're going to lose a lot of good people today, but you shant be one of them. Is that clear?"

It was very clear, at least to her. If something bad were to befall him, she would be the SIN Wing CO. He was telling her that he knew she could do the job, and she found that extremely flattering. But at the same time she didn't like the thought that Somerset knew he might not make it out of Rinaal alive.

She was knocked out of her brooding when her own XO, Lt. Cmdr. Johansen reported, "Commander, reading multiple FTL signatures, bearing 313, mark 011. They appear to be headed for the Pravis jumpgate. Tenative ID is enemy ships, Megaron, Nightstar, Garid, and...my God... numerous Stormcarriers."

"How many?" Newhome calmly asked.

"At least 8, sir. But there's still more ships coming through the gate. The computer's already recorded over 50 transits in the last 6 minutes." Johansen reported.

Newhome looked behind her. "Tactical, status?"

Lt. Cmdr. Susan Howard looked at her Commander. "Shields up, weapons at the ready, cloaking device active and stable. Marines are all at intruder control stations in full armor. Damage control parties report ready. Shall I prepare for attack, Commander?"

The disgust was evident on Newhome's face as she said "Negative. We shall hold position. Communications, send a message via comm laser to the Rodney. Warpath I. Navigation, plot us a course to the fluxfield, and feed it to the helm. Do not engage the course until I give the order. Until then, maintain Condition Red, and all hands are to remain at Battle Stations."

"Aye, sir." they all replied.

-----

Location: Pravis, Cyrian

Date: 14 March, 3008. 1532 hrs.

GCV Rodney

The comms officer turned away from his station, and faced the command chair. "Commander Conner, message from the Sutherland. It reads Warpath I."

"This is it..." Conner said, ordering, "Open a channel to the Group."

"Aye, sir." the comms officer said, complying.

"All ships, this is Conner. Prepare to engage enemy forces. Fighters, go in first, and concentrate on the smaller escort vessels, then break into elements and run like hell. Alpha Squadron will follow up the fighters attack of smaller escort vessels. Beta and Gamma Squadrons will wait for my signal, then head after the big guns. Go for maximum damage. Target engines, and weapons. We're not out to kill, merely to distract. Let's show the Gamms what a properly trained military force can do. Rodney out."

With a blinding flash of light, Gammulan ships began pouring into Pravis. As he watched his TacOps display, Conner saw a flurry of green dots hurl themselves at the enemy ships. He finally gave the order. "Fighters, execute attack plan Theta." Conner then turned to his comms officer. "Send a dispatch to Commander Somerset. We have engaged the enemy.

-----

Location: Rinaal, Cyrian

Date: 14, March 3008. 1535 hrs.

GCV Swiftsure

Somerset wished he knew how the battle in Pravis was progressing. But he did know that when Sigma Group began coming into Rinaal, the Gammulans would not be far behind.

From the comms station, Winforth posed a question. "Commander, does GHQ know that Artemis managed to break those Gammulan codes?"

"No, they don't..." Somerset replied as his voice trailed off. "Melanie!" he shouted, "contact one of the evacuation escort ships on a secure channel. Number One, make an opthalithic datatab of the Artemis' core dump to us. Quickly."

"Aye, sir." they both said, working quickly.

An image of a Commander appeared on the screen. "This is Commander Tovey of the Indefagitable. How can we be of assistance?"

"Listen to me carefully. Your orders have just changed. I need you to move within transporter range of the Swiftsure immediately. Once in position, we are going to beam you an opthalithic datatab. After you have the datatab in your possession, you are to seal it in the safe of your quarters. You will then cloak, and proceed directly to GHQ. It is to be delivered into the hands of the Supreme Commander, and no one else. If asked, you will state that it is concerns Gamma Omega Iota-7. The datatab will carry a copy of these orders, as will your ships log. If you do not obey these orders to the letter, I will personally see to it that your life is a living hell for the rest of your career. Do I make myself clear?" Somerset said.

"Perfectly clear, sir. Once the datatab is in my possession, it is to be locked in my safe. We are to cloak, and set course for GHQ. Once we safely arrive, the tab is to be taken directly to the SC, and no one else. What else, sir?"

"Nothing. Good luck on your mission, and Godspeed." Somerset replied.

"Thank you, Commander. Somehow, though, I think you guys might need it more."

"Commander, the Indefagitable is in position." Soran reported.

"Begin transport." the Commander ordered.

"Transport successful, Swiftsure. The datatab is aboard. May God look after you all. Indefagitable out."

The screen changed back to stars, and followed the Indefagitable as she faded into those stars as her cloaking field stabilized. Unseen, she turned toward Sol, unknowingly carrying one of GalCom's greatest advantages in the coming war. Being able to decode enemy transmissions.

As numerous transport ships and their escorting vessels left for safer parts of the galaxy, Epsilon, Omicron, and Eta Groups held their stations. They all waited for the beginning of the Battle of Rinaal. In his chair, Somerset thought of a quote that best suited their situation.

"Stand your ground, don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." - John Parker

And so it would,Somerset thought.

[/RP]

A wee bit longer than I expected. But that's what happens when creativity strikes you.

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

Cmdr. Benjamin Somerset

GCV Swiftsure

Prime Fleet

Commander, SIN Wing

=TDY Wraith Fleet=

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go into harm's way."

- John Paul Jones

[This message has been edited by Ben Somerset (edited 10-16-1999).]

[Rattler]

Jon B. has asked me to inform you that he has been Unavoidably Delayed with his next post. Actually, he got called in to work today and has not had the chance to get it on the site. I'm sure he will get it done as soon as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience, although Jon's work has always been well worth the wait.

Thanks Again,

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

Rattler, Spectre, Insurgent One

Official BC3K Tester

[email protected]

ICQ 12894104

"Old Age and Treachery will ALWAYS win out over Youth and Exuberance!"

[Bandus]

Hope I'm not going to far in the time.

/rp

Location: Chanis-2, Xyon

Date: March 14, 3008. 1730

GCV Defiant

The Defiant has just entered hyperspace toward the wormhole that would take them out of Xyon space and into Krynon.

Bandus saw a few bright flashes that signified ships jumping through the wormhole, and glanced at his Tactical Officer Nick for a report.

"Sir, multiple ships have just jumped through...all Gammulan. There are fewer ships then flashes, so there are some cloaked, some uncloaked."

"Red alert, signal all ships to protect the transports at all costs!" Bandus said.

"I have one of the Gammulan Aestroms locked, sir." ,said Nick.

"Fire missiles, assume attack formation Echo." ,Bandus said.

A volley of missiles left the Defiant and slammed into the Aestrom.

"The Aestrom is moderately damaged. The Indomitable and Yamato are reporting they've engaged a Stormcarrier. Marauder Wing is maintaining a defensive posture around the transports." Nick reported.

"Fire IOD, 80% blasts!" barked Bandus.

The ship jolted as the powerful balls of energy were sent speeding toward the already damaged Aestrom. As soon as they hit the Aestrom was penetrated and was vaporized in a blinding flash. A second flash also occured moments later.

"Sir, the Indomitable has been destroyed! Direct hit from the Stormcarrier! The blast from the reactor breach has damaged the engines of one of the Marauder BCs...there is a gap in the defensive grid!" Nick excitedly said.

"Damn, bring us about, full speed, we need to take up position and close the gap."

"Aye, sir." Danny said, "Coming about."

"Commander! The Stormcarrier is heavily damaged and is crippled...the Yamato is moving in to finish it off." Nick said.

Bandus began to smile when Nick said, "Sir! The Stormcarrier has launched a volley of Vagarants at the transports! 25 seconds till they impact!"

"The transports shields will never hold, how long until we can be in position to take the missile hits?" asked Bandus.

"We are still atleast a minute away." reported Danny.

"Damn! Signal one of the BCs to attempt to get in the way of the...

Bandus was cut off as the Vagarant missiles slammed into both of the transports, causing both to erupt in massive explosions. Moments later the Yamato payed back the favor and the Stormcarrier broke into two pieces and was vaporized as multiple missiles slammed into it.

"What about those cloaked ships, Tactical?" asked Bandus.

"Sir, they have decloaked and are in orbit of Chanis-2. They appear to deploying troops to capture Delta Starbase." reported Nick.

Bandus grinned and said "Good."

Bandus got up from his command chair and went to the tacscope. He zoomed in on Delta Starbase and saw Gammulan troops storming the now abandoned base. He watched as they entered the Command and Control center. He watched as the booby traps were tripped and the entire complex disappeared in a blinding nuclear explosion.

"Continue our course to Xyan." Bandus ordered.

**Captain's Log**

Location: Chanis-2, Xyon

Date: March 14, 3008. 1750

The loss of over 50% of the Delta Starbase personnel is extremely tragic. It's a reminder to us that there is nothing galmorous about war. This will be a war with no victors...only casualties.

**End Log**

/rp off

Welp, thats it for now. ::sobs hysterically as Delta Wing is once again rendered useless::

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

Cmdr. Bandus

GCV Defiant

Commander, Delta Wing

=Wraith Fleet=

"Universal Peace Through Deadly Force"

[This message has been edited by Bandus (edited 10-27-1999).]

[This message has been edited by Bandus (edited 10-27-1999).]

[Gallion]

Take a few days off and it seems stuff went to muck. Those in the .mil understand. I know, zero meters.

On with the motley

[rp]

1525, March 14, 3008

LV-104/Alpha Cygni

Marine Squad Position near Pad 51, Cerberus Starbase

"Here they come," Sarge said to his squad before adding , "... and notify Base Ops and prepare the welcoming committee. The Gams have landed."

"Range 9.3km, bearing 347 mag," the F/O said from his position near the Sarge.

"Get FC on the horn," Sarge said to his RTO.

"FC on-line Sarge," the RTO said as he handed the Porkchop to Sarge.

The Sarge studied the Gam's advance and verified the data from his F/O and took a deep breath before he took the Porkchop offerred by the RTO.

"Xray-fower-niner this is whiskey-two-tree Fire mission break ... Range 9.3km, bearing 347 over." The microseconds seemed an eternity before the Sarge heard his reply.

"Whiskey-two-tree this is Xray-fower-niner, roger ... wait ... shot out over."

The Sarge brought his binoculars up to his eyes and zoomed in as far as he good. He was waiting for the spot round's impact. Again the microseconds seemed an eternity before he spotted the round's impact.

"Xray-fower-niner this is whiskey-two-tree, down five-zero, romeo tree-five, over."

"Whiskey-two-tree this is Xray-fower-niner, roger ...wait ... shot out over."

Hurry up and wait that was the Sarge's lot in life now. Hurry up and get ready, then wait for whatever. The Sarge could hear his heartbeat thumping in his head as he again waited for the round's impact. With any luck, they would be on target this round. If they weren't then the game would repeat itself until they were. The Sarge hated to repeat himself. Without warning, the round impacted. Luck was with the Sarge, it was right on target.

"Xray-fower-niner this is whiskey-two-tree," the Sarge said with a grin, "Fire-for-effect!"

"Whiskey-two-tree this is Xray-fower-niner, Roger, Out"

"OK ladies!" Sarge said as he handed the Porkchop to his RTO, "stay alert and stay alive, Weapons Free!"

Up and down the squad's position a flurry of activity began as the Marines prepared a welcoming that the Sarge hoped the Gams wouldn't forget.

[/rp]

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

Cmdr. Gallion

GCV Graf Spee

Commander, Corsair Wing

=Wraith Fleet=

Bushi of the Dragon Council

"Run Silent, Run Deep"

ICQ# 29486270

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 11-09-1999).]

[Gallion]

Been busy and now it is time to get back into the fray

[rp]

1559, March 14, 3008

LV-104/Alpha Cygni

Planetary Orbit

The devastation was complete. The real estate that once was known as Cerberus Starbase was now nothing more than flaming wreckage. Within and about the wreckage Gammulan soldiers were moving about with impunity. Resistance had been futile. A foolhardy dream by both the commander of the Starbase and the GALCOM Marines tasked with its defense.

The old Corsair panned his TacOps display to survey the rest of his command. Nothing but flames and wreckage could be seen. The so-called secret facilities were also destroyed. Gallion shuddered unconsciously as he contemplated this surrealist reality. Could he have been betrayed. Could there have been a traitor within the rogues and ranks of his command.

Was Corsair Wing left hung out to dry?

What happened to the Falkyries?

Gallion knew that his AOR was nothing more than a speed bump but yet he could not help but feel betrayed and abandoned by the rest of GALCOM. Communications were non-existent.

The only positive thing to come out of this debacle was the recovery of a project prototype and the research database from the research facility known as Pad 51. Several of the research staff were also recovered by Gunny York and the Stealth Squad. But that too was not without a cost. The rescue/recovery operation cost the lives of several of his Marines. With the Marines that the Graf Spee were able to beam aboard before blasting its way from Cerberus, he was still bloated in the Marine compliment. Personnel were not a problem now. Supplies and equipment were his number one concern. Nothing that he hasnÔÇÖt done before. Corsairs are known to be quite resourceful if need be.

Panning out from planetary observation, Gallion redirected the TacOps to his main concern ÔÇô the Gammulan gaggle that now orbited LV-104. He quit counting after reaching 20 Gammulan Aestrom Storm Carriers and a mixture of60 fighters. More and more Gammulan spacecraft seemed to be entering the system. For the umpteenth time he counted his blessings and luck hoping that the Graf Spee would not be detected. So far the black paint was working but even so he knew that he couldnÔÇÖt rely on stealth for long.

It was time to move and see what else the Gammulans were up to.

ÔÇ£Engage cloak and Set course for the Falkyrie Homeworld,ÔÇØ Gallion ordered.

For a millisecond the Graf Spee was visible to the Gammulan sensors. During that millisecond, a Gammulan cruiser class warship locked onto the Graf Spee and gave chase. Engaging its cloaking device right after the Graf Spees cloaking field formed. Two ships exited the LV-104 system. One was the GVC Graf Spee and the other was a Gammulan Cruiser

[/rp]

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

Cmdr. Gallion

GCV Graf Spee

Commander, Corsair Wing

=Wraith Fleet=

Bushi of the Dragon Council

"Run Silent, Run Deep"

ICQ# 29486270

[Ben Somerset]

Been pretty busy as of late myself. I'll try and post tonight after work. BTW, has anyone heard from Jon lately?

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

Cmdr. Benjamin Somerset

GCV Swiftsure

Prime Fleet

Commander, SIN Wing

=TDY Wraith Fleet=

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go into harm's way."

- John Paul Jones

[Gallion]

[rp]

1605. March 14, 3008

LV-103, Alpha Cygni

Near Jump Point

The TacOps scope was red; its display was Red with the plethora of Gammulan Warships in the system. Gallion hadnÔÇÖt expected anything else. He was just hoping that his hunches wouldnÔÇÖt result into reality for once.

Each Red dot on the TacOps display indicated a hostile target tracked by the Graf SpeeÔÇÖs weapons computer. Unfortunately for the crew of the Graf Spee, all the currently tracked targets were hostile. There was not a single friendly or neutral target in the LV-103 system. The Gammulan offensive was efficient and deadly. The Falkerie Star Station Cygni was now another Gammulan asset.

Gallion was somewhat devastated by the tactical situation. He was use to being outnumbered and outgunned. Corsair Wing had been operating in this area for nigh on eight years now. There had been safe-havens scattered about before today. As of now, the old Corsair realized that there would be no more safe-havens and that he needed to get back to friendly lines ÔÇô or even neutral space. One BC could not take on the entire Gammulan Navy without someplace to run, someplace to hide, someplace to rest.

Gallion was contemplating all of this when his Chief Engineer piped in on the shipÔÇÖs comm system.

ÔÇ£Commander, radiation levels are critical on deck 3 and the subdeck. Radiation levels on deck 2 are near critical. Radiation control teams have been dispatched to clean the areas up!ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£Very well Mr. Scott, do we know what caused this?ÔÇØ Gallion asked even though he knew what the answer would be. It seems that the Graf Spee had managed to get to one of her scheduled refits for once. And for once, the refit was not related to combat damage. The cloaking system was scheduled for a serious overhaul and was one of many systems that havenÔÇÖt worked right since. Looking at his display, the Graf Spee had been cloaked for 20 minutes. Being cloaked for more than 10 minutes caused massive radiation contamination throughout the ship.

ÔÇ£The cloaking system commander. We need to decloak for 5 minutes before the cloaking system can be reengaged,ÔÇØ Montigue Scott said.

ÔÇ£Very well,ÔÇØ Gallion said, ÔÇ£disengage cloaking system, rig for silent running, set course for Wraith-HQ.ÔÇØ If it is even still there, Gallion thought to himself. There had been negative contact with Wraith-HQ since just before the Gams offensive began, what an hour or two ago? That time had seemed like an eternity.

Meanwhile, on the Gammulan cruiser that followed the Graf Spee from the LV-104 system the situation was quite different than on the Graf Spee. The Gammulan commander was just about to order a course change when a miracle happened to him. His mission was to find and destroy whatever ship it was that had escaped from LV-104 system. The Gammulan commander was about to do the unthinkable and notify his squadron commander that he had failed when the Graf Spee appeared on his tactical display only 15km in front of his ship. Without hesitation, the Gammulan Cruiser commander gave the order to fire and emptied his shipÔÇÖs weapons pod.

In the space of 5 seconds, 15 Gammulan missiles left their covey in the Gammulan cruiser and headed towards the baffles of the GCV-Graf Spee. Three seconds from the time that the last missile was launched, the first missile was homing into its target ÔÇô distance 500 meters. One after another the Gam missiles struck the unsuspecting Galcom Battlecruiser. When the last missile hit its target, the Gammulan Cruiser Commander notified his squadron commander of his accomplishment. When he had completed that little requirement the Gam commander returned his attention to his tactical display and was searching for his victim

What the Gammulan commander found was not what he was looking for. He was expecting to find a disabled Galcom ship or a Galcom ship that was severely damaged. He did not expect to see a Galcom warship bearing down hard and fast with its guns ablazing and missiles flying on him and his ship.

[/rp]

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

Cmdr. Gallion

GCV Graf Spee

Commander, Corsair Wing

=Wraith Fleet=

Bushi of the Dragon Council

"Run Silent, Run Deep"

ICQ# 29486270

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 01-18-2000).]

[Ben Somerset]

It's way past time for this. Get ready, it's a long one. [RP]

Location: Cyron V, Cyron

Date: 14 March, 3008. 1550 hrs.

GCV Sutherland

Susan Howard, the tactical officer looked at TacOps intently, looking for any sign of more ships jumping into the region. Finally, she turned to face Commander Newhome, and said "Commander, I think that may be all of them. There have been no transits in the last 8 minutes."

Newhome looked over at her and asked "How many ships were there?"

"Sensors indicated 368 transits ma'am. I estimate their force to be of 2 Order strength, including 51 Stormcarriers." Howard reported.

The whole bridge crew gasped. The enemy force would outnumber their own Fleet by over 6 to 1. In Stormcarriers alone, the Gammulans nearly had as many ships as all those in Rinaal.

Newhome looked grim as she thought about the prospects of defending Rinaal. "How long until all the enemy vessels have entered Pravis?" she asked the Ops officer.

"All transits will be complete in 22 minutes, Commander. Half the enemy fleet has already made the jump to Pravis." he replied.

"Very well. Feed the course to the fluxfield to the Helm. Number One, I want to wait 30 minutes, and then were getting the hell out of here. Communications, send of message to the Swiftsure. No enemy transits in last 10 minutes. Total enemy count, 368 ships. Will hold position for 30 minutes, and withdraw to friendly space. Good luck, and Godspeed." Newhome ordered.

The crew of the Sutherland prayed for those in Rinaal, for they had even less of a snowball's chance than those who fought in the first Gammulan incursion nearly 8 years ago. They would fight a desperate fight against innumerable odds this day. A day that would never be forgotten.

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

Location: Pravis, Cyrian

Date: 14 March, 3008. 1550 hrs.

GCV Rodney

The nimble Starcarrier was rocked to one side as they were hit again by weapons fire. "Shields at 60%!" the tactical officer yelled.

"Come to 103 mark 211, 3/4 impulse. Attack pattern Echo. Let's go get that Aestrom!" Conner ordered.

Rodney groaned as she was forced onto her new course. The Aestrom had its attention turned toward another ship, and never saw the Rodney coming. Weapons fire lanced out to hit the enemy ship. Combined with two Vagrants in quick succession, the Aestroms shields overloaded and collapsed. Flashes of light played across her hull as the Rodney struck her bare armor. "Commander! The Aestroms weapons are down, and she appears to have severe engine damage. She's slowing, dropping below quarter impulse." the XO reported.

The Communications Officer said from his console "Commander, Charile Squadron reports being overwhelmed. They're pulling back to Mobile Position 1."

"How many enemy ships are there?" Conner asked.

"Charlie Squadron reports 174, sir. Transits are now occuring every 1.8 seconds." the Tactical Officer reported.

"Navigation, set course for Rinaal." Conner said, as he used his command console to open a communications channel. "All ships, this is Rodney. We're pulling back. Charlie Squadron, cover our retreat, and follow behind. Rodney out. Status of the enemy fleet?"

Glancing at his TacOps screen, the Tactical Officer reported "They're all still at impulse speed, Commander. Probably conserving their jump charge for the jump to Rinaal."

"All ships acknowledge orders, Commander. Alpha, Bravo, and Delta Squadrons on course for the jumpgate. Reports indicate enemy losses at 2 destroyed, 17 disabled. Bravo Squadron reports one of their ships disabled, but under tow. All other Squadrons report no losses, and minimal damage." Comms reported.

"Very well. Helm, engage hyperdrive. Tactical, drop a probe to monitor the enemy approach to the jumpgate. Communications, give me a channel to the Swiftsure."

"Aye, sir."

As the face of Benjamin Somerset appeared on the viewscreen, Conners advance force quickly flew into hyperspace, and prepared for another battle. The first major battle of what Conner expected to be a very long war.

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

Location: Rinaal, Cyrian

Date: 14 March, 3008. 1555 hrs

GCV Swiftsure

Benjamin Somerset sat in the command chair and waited. He hated waiting, especially in this sort of situation. The cup of Earl Grey came up slowly, as Somerset took a drink. His face skewed in disgust at finding the tea had grown cold. This endless waiting had also given the Commander a chance to think.

At the moment, the thought most prevelent in Somerset's mind was that of his wife. There was a more than fair chance that he would never see her again. The Fleet's only purpose here was to buy time. Time for other forces to gather, and repel the Gammulan assault. That meant many brave people that would fight here today would never go home. The fact that he may be one of those did not scare Somerset.

The idea he would never see Jessica again, however, instilled a sense of fear in him he had never felt before. The first time he was married, Somerset did not even pay the idea of his demise, and the affect it would have on his wife, any mind. He was more worried about his ship, than his now ex-wife. It was one of the main reasons he had gotten divorced. He was married to his ship, and not her. But he knew that what he had with Jessica was different. For the first timein his life, Somerset knew he was in love. He could tell her anything, and took comfort and pleasure in doing the simplest things with her. Without even realizing it, Somerset began twirling the ring on his left hand, and staring at the picture of her he had on his command console. The thing he wanted most, was to get out of this alive, so he could see his wife again. But, like he had always done, Somerset would do his duty. There was a job to do, and he would do it to the best of his ability, or die trying.

"Commander, incoming message from the Sutherland." Winforth said, interrupting Somerset's train of thought.

"Let's hear it," Somerset ordered.

Winforth pulled it up and said "Message is as follows: No enemy transits in last 10 minutes. Total enemy count, 368 ships. Will hold position for 30 minutes, and withdraw to friendly space. Good luck, and Godspeed.."

The bridge fell silent as the crew sized up the odds. "Two Order strength...368 ships..." Ishikawa murmured from his post.

"Stand easy, mister," Somerset said, silencing the other officer. "Number One, your opinion?"

"I believe that a successful defense would be futile. Our forces are outnumbered 6 to 1. It is illogical to attempt to fight such a force." Soran said.

Somerset pointed out, "But we also have the station, and the minefields."

"They still outgun us 4 to 1, Commander. We are still greatly outnumbered," Soran retorted.

"Vhat are our chances?" Kamarov bluntly asked.

Soran replied, "I calculate our odds at 52%, and the Fleet's at 41.6%."

Before anyone could reply, Winforth informed Somerset, "Sir, incoming transmission from the Rodney."

This was it. "Put it through," Somerset said.

"This is Conner, sir. Our position is overwhelmed, and we're pulling back to Rinaal. the face on the viewscreen reported.

"What is your status?" Somerset asked.

Conner replied "All ships accounted for, sir. Charlie Squadron is covering our retreat. One ship was disabled, but she's under tow. All other vessels are combat capable."

"Enemy damage and numbers?"

"They lost 2 vessels, another 17 disabled. We didn't manage to get any of the Stormcarriers, though. They just barreled right through us. At last count there were 185 enemy vessels in the region, and we'll be making our jump in 2 minutes."

"How far behind are they?"

"They're remaining at impulse, sir. We think they're conserving their jump engines. ETA on the enemy Fleet is 15 minutes from our last ship jumping in."

"Very well. Once you arrive, take up Mobile Position III at 115 km, defensive formation Delta."

"Acknowledged, sir. We're on our way. Rodney out."

The GCN logo appeared on the viewscreen with the words END TRANSMISSION directly below it. Immediately after, the screen returned to the standard forward view, showing the dark starfield ahead of them. Except for the usual comm chatter from belowdecks, the bridge was silent. In all their years together, they had never faced such odds against them.

For the first time in his 19 years as a Navy officer, Benjamin Somerset found himself in a no-win situation. Any form of victory in this situation was untenable. Their only hope was to hold back the advance for as long as they could, evacuate the remaining personnel on the station, and withdraw with as little losses as possible. But Somerset knew that was impossible, unless...

Unless you change the rules, the thought came unbidden into his mind.

"Melanie, get me the Hood on a secure link, Priority I," he said, a course of action now firmly planted in his mind. Changing the rules indeed... he thought to himself.

"Aye, sir." she said, complying with his order.

This is the Hood. Go ahead."

"Commander, you are familiar with the Omega defensive plans, are you not?"

Bush's face was questioning as he replied, "Um, yes sir, I am."

"Then you are aware of plan Omega III."

The other mans face visibly flushed as he answered "Yes, sir. Are you intending to implement the plan?"

"I am," Somerset stated matter of factly. "The computer requires two consenting officers of command rank. I require your assistance."

Bush pulled himself together and replied, "Understood. Whenever you're ready, sir."

Somerset left the channel open as he activated part of his command console. "Computer, recognize Commander Benjamin Somerset, and access secure link Gamma 24."

'Acknowledged. Secure link established. Enter command.'

"Computer, access and execute Omega III protocalls."

'That command function is restricted. Two command authorizations required.'

"Execute protocall Omega III. Authorization Somerset 2-5-Alpha-Tango."

The computer sounded it's verification of carrying the order out. Somerset nodded at Bush, who was still on the viewscreen.

He saw Bush jab at his own console, and say "Computer, execute protocall Omega III. Authorization Bush 4-1-Sierra-Sierra."

'Command Authorizations confirmed. Execution complete. G-2 Units responding to command.'

"Computer, arm G-2 Units, authorization Somerset 2-5-Alpha-Tango."

'G-2 Units armed. Awaiting further command' the computer intoned hollowly.

"Hood, hold your position, and await further orders. Swiftsure out." Somerset said, and Bush's face disappeared, replaced by the GCN logo.

Up at the helm, McAllister looked at Ishikawa and inquired quietly "G-2 Units?"

Ishikawa looked back with the same questioning look, and replied "Never heard of it."

"Melanie, get me HQ on a secure link," Somerset ordered.

"Aye, sir," she said, wondering what this was all about.

Commander Matasuke appeared on the screen "Go ahead, Swiftsure."

"Commander, how many personnel are still aboard the station?" Somerset asked.

"There are still 500 aboard. 300 Marines guarding the secure areas, and 200 techs manning weapons, communications, and the reactors."

"Is this link secure?" Somerset said suspiciously.

Matasuke looked questioningly as he replied "It is, sir."

"I want you to review the Omega III defensive plan, and prepare to evacuate the station on my order." Somerset waited as Matasuke accessed the data, and looked it over.

"You can't be serious..." he said as his voice drifted off.

"I am. The plan is designed for enemy forces outnumbering us 5 to 1, and no possibility of reinforcement. We are outnumbered 6 to 1, and there is no possibility for reinforcement. Corsair Wing is probably decimated, and still caught behind enemy lines. All other forces are being sent elsewhere. The situation calls for the Omega III plan."

"Sir, I must object to this course of action."

Somerset didn't have time for this. "Your objection is noted. The plan is still going ahead, Commander. Carry out your orders."

"Aye, sir. However, I intend to put a formal protest in my log, as this is a flagrant violation of the Credian Accords."

"Very well. I look forward to reading it. Somerset, out," he said, cutting the transmission.

The rest of the bridgecrew sat dumbfounded, unable to concieve of what actions might violate the Credian Accords. But with the desperation of the situation, none of them would argue if it increased the odds for survival. Not even Soran. Deep down, he wanted to get out of this as much as everyone else.

Somerset brought up a communications screen at his console, and prepared a message.

-----Begin Transmission-----

To: Fleet Commander Londono, CINCWRTHFLT

Fm: Commander Somerset, GCV Swiftsure

Sb: Omega III

Priority I

Our forces outnumbered 6 to 1. Believe there is no alternative but to execute Omega III defensive plan, and implement G-2 Units. God help me for what I am about to do. Will see you at Tyrus II.

Respectfully,

Ben

------End Transmission-------

A flash of light signalled the entrance of a new ship into the region. The mines surrounding the gate took an IFF reading, determining the target to be friendly. Conners advance force was starting to arrive, and the Gammulan Navy wouldn't be far behind.

The Gammulans probably thought that this would be an easily fought, easily won battle. Odds of 6 to 1, and a starstation being the only thing in their way.

They were in for a big surprise.

[/RP]

Tac, Gallion: check ye mail.

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

Cmdr. Benjamin Somerset

GCV Swiftsure

Prime Fleet

Commander, SIN Wing

=TDY Wraith Fleet=

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go into harm's way."

- John Paul Jones

[This message has been edited by Ben Somerset (edited 01-25-2000).]

[Gallion]

1616 GST, March 14, 3008

Debris Field

Chalinis/Alpha Gamma

GCV Prinze Eugen

[rp]

The situation on the GCV Prinze Eugen had improved greatly for both her crew and Commander Gweedo. Tactically the situation was just as dire as it was almost an hour prior but within the confines of the Galactan MkII Battlecruiser's hull things were beginning to shape up. Most of the battle damage had been repaired to at least 60 some-odd percent. All this completed without the Gams finding their little hide-away.

Gweedo was still somewhat shellshocked by the fearacity of the Gammulan onslaught and size of the Gammulan Armada as it passed through system. Nothing in system remained of that passing Armada. To commander Gweedo, it was as if the gates of Hades were opened and its gaurdian, Cerberus, were unleashed. This stray thought startled Gweedo as he continued tto peruse his ship's damage status. Why has he not heard from Cerberus or its Commander. Some would say that no news is good news. However; in this case Gweedo had to make an exception. Since he hadn't heard from either, Gweedo had to assume the worst and that both Cerberus and its Commander were out of action.

An involuntary shudder rippled through Gweedo's back as he contemplated his last thought. For some reason, unknown to him, Commander Gweedo could not resolve himself to believe that Cerberus's Commander was out of the picture. A flash message interupted Gweedo's thoughts in his command link. Three simple words flashed in his eyepiece:

Phi Gamma Omega

These three words did much to settle the dread that had begun to permiate his thoughts. Cerberus may be lost but its bite was very much alive. One Corsair by itself is a formable force. Multiply that effect by two and taken to the nth degree could defy odds that currently awaiting them. Without hesitation Gweedo keyed his reply and zipped out via burst transmission that lasted lewss then .001 nanoseconds.

Gamma Capa Omega Phi

With any luck the Gams wouldn't have detect this, Gweedo thought to himself as he settled back into his command chair.

[/rp]

Cmdr. Gwedo

GCV Prinze Eugen

=Wraith Fleet=

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 02-08-2000).]

[Gallion]

1614, March 14, 3008

LV-104, Alpha Cygni

Debris Field

[rp]

Once again the lights went out on the bridge of the GCV Graf Spee. Repairs were underway throughout the ship. To the Graf Spee's Commander and crew, more and more damage was discovered every time a SE took a step on the battlecruiser. CB1 and the engineering section took the brunt of the damage sustained form the Gammulan Cruiser attack in LV-103. Gallion was still fuming over the serious tactical error he had made --- he failed to clear his baffles before proceeding with his observations of the Gammulan offensive. Checking your six is an ancient and basic tenet that is hammered into each Cadet when they enter the Academy.

Gallion selected several options on the menu display of his command link and presses the send button. The Comm system sent a wideband micro burst message. This message would alert selected recipients and require a response from them. Gallion settled back into the command chair and began to review the damage reports that were beginning to flood his queue.

Hull - 51%, 4 hours to repair

Armor - 76%, 1 hour to repair (severe damage to stealth coat, ship sensor cross-section increase by 40%

CB1 - 10%, 14.5 hours to repair (SES lost along with most of the Nutripacs, Medpacs, and everything else stored within).

CB2 - 55%, 3 hours to repair.

IB1 - 20%,

IC1 all systems severely damaged, 29 hours to repair.

IB2 - 11%,

IB3 - Destroyed (along with IC3)

SB2 - 5%, 12 hours to repair

SH2 severely damaged (recommend scrap and replace) 24 hours to repair.

Engine Room - %1 Radiation Leak, 15 hours to repair.

Reactor - %29, 6 hours to repair.

The list went on. Each line of the damage report caused an increase in the ire building within Gallion. Should-a-could-a and the Saints would've won the superbowl back on 2001, he thought. No need to dwell on what has happened. Can't do a bloomin' thing about it now. Just don't for get to clear the baffles.

A priority incomming message broke the old Corsair from his self-chastisement. The four words of the message lifted the spirit of the old Corsair . So much so that he almost leaped out of his chair and danced a jig.

Gamma Capa Omega Phi

Corsair Wing is still alive. There is at least one more BC out there besides the Graf Spee. This is the best news that Gallion had received since before he had to terminate the capture of a Gammulan Tarin MkII transport not so long ago. The GCV Prinze Eugen is damaged but still able to engage the Gams. Gallion had to slow himself down. Priorities boy, set your priorities, he thought to himself. Have to get the Spee stabilized and repaired before taking on the galaxy. Having settled himself down some, Gallion got out of the command chair and left the bridge. Time to see the menagerie himself and mingle with the crew.

1621, March 14, 3008

[/rp]

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

Cmdr. Gallion

GCV Graf Spee

Commander, Corsair Wing

=Wraith Fleet=

Bushi of the Dragon Council

"Run Silent, Run Deep"

ICQ# 29486270

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 02-08-2000).]

[Gallion]

It has Begun

Got a wild hair

So let it be written ... so let it be done

Been romancing the Sands lately so bear with me ... a little that is

[rp]

1630, March 14, 3008

Rinaal, Cyrian

one by one the horde slithered by

not seen by fellow or foe

light flashing in an ever hypnotic pace

the jump point was askew with activity

foes and fellows began the death race

waiting was the foe behind a pathetic screen

watching siliently as the jump point flashes increase

the foe could not detect the fellows as they creeped beyond

there had to be the one to shed light upon the fields

super-nova light graced the void shortly after the one began its minuet

a system buried deep within the ones failed at a most inopportune time

the screen managed to find a fellow

the one had stumbled into the screen's lare

vague shapes of the one's fellows appeared to the foe

the foe's warships began to grace the fellow's warships in the sensuous tango of death

more super-nova brilliance took both fellows and foes alike

domino effect is complete as the last of the screen release its breath

red-eyes twinkled on the fellow known as Mor-D'r

as he reclined in his seat of power

red blimps diminish and green blimps ever increase on a scope

a sneer appeared askew as he ordered his Blossum Flower

Wraith nearly brought to its knees

the minuet seemed complete

no quarter is to be given

no mercy is to be spared

to kill a Wraith

to kill a Corsair

[/rp]

Yes I know it

I not be a poet!

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 02-24-2000).]

[Ben Somerset]

And once I get home tonight, I will post and elaborate more on Gallion's...interesting... sonnet. Better poetry than some of the stuff I've written.

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

Cmdr. Benjamin Somerset

GCV Swiftsure

Prime Fleet

Commander, SIN Wing

=TDY Wraith Fleet=

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go into harm's way."

- John Paul Jones

[Guest]

*applause*

[Gallion]

Bows graciously to the crowd, managing at the same time to avoid the impact of several flying ...

[rp]

1635, March 14, 3008

Rinaal, Cyrian

One by one the Gammulan Horde slipped through the jump point. Flashes of light alerted the Wraith Fleet defenders each time that another Gammulan warship slipped into the Rinaal system without setting off the Omega defense screen. The jump point activity almost resembled the steady light emitted by the neighboring stars at one point.

It was almost half a terran hour before Murphy stuck his omnipotent head into the Gammulan Horde's endeavor. It seemed that for once, Wraith Fleet might escape the attention of this notorious scoundrel that has plagued the Terran race since the Dawn of time.

The unfortunate victim of the scoundrels attention was the Gammulan equivalent of a Terran Solnar Class Cruiser as it just exited the jump point where members of Wraith Fleet had deployed Omega in an effort to thwart the Gammulan onslaught. One of the power control lines feeding the cloaking system on this unfortunate Gammulan warship ship developed a feedback problem. Which resulted into the complete failure of this vessel's cloaking field. From out of the empty void of space it loomed into the sensors of both the defenders and the Omega screen.

The AI on one part of this screen detected the previously undetected Gammulan ship and waited. It was not until this part transformed itself into a mini-super-nova that the crew of this doomed Gammulan warship realized the enormity of their problem as the mass of their ship feed the fires of this maelstrom.

An old Terran saying states that, "when it rains, it pours." For the Gams near this maelstrom it was not raining, it was pouring. Debris from the first Gam Warship caught in the maelstrom careened throughout the void. Striking other Gammulan warships that had made it through the jump point and the outskirts of the Omega screen. The Domino effect began ravishing uncontrolled trough the ranks of the Gammulan Horde. The cloaking field of Gammulan warship after Gammulan warship failed when struck by the flying debris allowing the defending Omegascreen and Wraith vessels to target and destroy them.

One after another throughout the Omega screen Gammulan warships where engulfed in a maelstrom of destruction as they unleashed their nuclei upon the Gam invaders. The luck of the Irish seemed to follow the defending Wraiths when massive blaze of ultra-excited quantum matter engulfed twenty-six Gammulan Battlecruiser and Carrier warships that almost slipped through the trap. Several vessels of the Gammulan Horde were crippled by either debris or near misses from detonated parts of the Omega screen. The honor of these unlucky Gammulans was tainted as each was engaged and destroyed by the defending Wraiths that would appear from no where only to disappear in tactical redeployment.

The quest of the defending Wraiths seemed hopeless to Mor-D'r, the Gammulan warrior in command of the Gammulan Vanguard. The tailend of which was caught up in Murphy's revenge. Two Gammulan Warships replaced each Gammulan Warship that was caught in the Wraith trap or destroyed by the defending Wraith vessels. Whereas each defending Wraith that was destroyed was not replaced. Mor-D'r's primary task was complete; the Wraith defenses of Rinaal system had been identified and neutralized. A sneer appeared askew on Mor-D'r's face as did a twinkle in his red eyes appear when he shifted his attention and forces towards his next target; Wraith Star Station. The leader of the Gammulan Vangaurd looked at his chronograph; 1709, March 14, 3008, terran time. He was behind schedule. The vaulted Wraiths had been beaten but not yet broken. Time to make a play ... time to make them pay.

[/rp]

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 02-27-2000).]

[Rattler]

Well, I'm impressed! Gallion, If I can remember which character I'm supposed to be playing, I'll contribute sometime today. Now where did I leave that script?

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

Rattler, Insurgent One

Spectre Fleet

Spectre StarStation

ICV Necromancer

Official BC3K Tester

[email protected]

ICQ 12894104

"Long Live The Insurgency, Long Live Mother Earth, And Long Live Battlecruiser Developers and Fans!"

[Rattler]

[RP]

M Inent had entered the jump point and, upon exiting that monster, had executed a hard turning maneuver designed to place him directly above and behind the jump gate. ItÔÇÖs results were always the same.

D IminentÔÇÖs bridge had a ringside view of the carnage that was happening inside the system. With horror he watched as the Gammulan Armada began to disintegrate with an expanding epicenter. First, a shipÔÇÖs cloaking system would fail. He could then readily see the debris impacting his ships armor and hulls. The onslaught continued until the armor was penetrated, exposing their weak and failing hulls. Still the carnage continued. Fragments pierced their shipÔÇÖ hulls, exposing its proud warriors to the cold and empty heart of space. The carnage was unmerciful.

M Inent thought, to himself, ÔÇ£Can a scream he actually heard if there is no air to act as a medium? Can blood remain red without Oxygen in the red blood cells?ÔÇØ

He pondered his situation now. 2/3 of his armada was dead or dying. Those that were crippled were merely target practice for the jackals that circled the battle, diving in to nip at them and then retreating to a safe distance. One by one his wounded comrades died to these tactics.

Finally, One Object gained his full attention. The Starstation! It was what they had come after. It was the key to this sector. D IminentÔÇÖs engines burned as she streaked across the sector, her primary target was getting closer. She became vulnerable, for only a brief second as the jump anomaly formed, and then again as she exited from her hyper-jump. Cloak now restored, and undetected, she again burned toward Wraith!

M Inent stood rigid as he issued orders on his bridge. With cold and calculated measures, he attacked the Starstation. Her shields were down to 30% and armor beginning to fail in all areas. D IminentÔÇÖs shields were weakened to 70% but her armor and hull were holding steady at 80%.

M Inent could have taken this Starstation, claiming it as a prize of war. He could have made this his home in a sector that would have born his name..He had other thoughts though. He remembered his first encounter with this enemy. He now remembered the carnage that he had just witnessed. He remembered the screams of his warriors, the ones that he should have heard, could they have been heard in the emptiness of space. Again anger clouded his judgement.

Within the time of less than a heartbeat, he made his decision and issued his orders. D Iminent again pounded the hull and armor of the Starstation. Outwardly, vocally so that all of his crew could hear, he screamed to Wraith Starstation.

ÔÇ£Humans, Today YOU Die!ÔÇØ

[/RP]

[This message has been edited by Rattler (edited 02-27-2000).]

[Guest]

[RP]

1750, March 14, 3008

Rinaal, Cyrian

So many lost... so many... on both sides, what a nightmare.

"HQ under assault Sir!" the tactical officer's voice cut the fleet commander's thoughts.

"Status?"

"Shields holding but dropping steadily, they will fail in a few minutes... defending Interceptors are unable to draw them off."

*Sigh* It was inevitable. "Have the GCV Ardent beam the remaining crew off the HQ, prepare for station self-destruct the moment those Gammulan roaches set foot on it."

The bridge fell silent. "Aye sir" came the broken whisper from the tactical station. The Ardent was the HQ's courier ship, still docked at the HQ.. an old Galactan, prepped to launch cloaked and take the survivors of the HQ would be Galcom's most expensive lifeboat. The irony was appaling.

"Signal the Fleet: 'Sirat'"

A few agonizing seconds later, the comms officer replied "Aye, message sent sir."

The ancient Terran paradox, the Sirat... "Heaven on my left, Hell on my right, and the Angel of Death behind". The exact situation the Gammulans would find themselves in... the heaven of their own space on one side, more casualties by yet another defense line at Hadar-9 if they follow... and the Angels of Death that will strike them from behind every step of the way.

Another Omega was set at Hadar-9, but this time 3 cloaked Wraith squadrons would remain behind in Rinaal to snap and harrass the Gammulan ships that remained behind.

And hopefully, the survivors of Corsair, if any, would join this backstabbing force.

Now all that remained was to wait.

(/rp)

Hope this doesn't mess up your plans Gallion, the station will be blown up when those insects board it. The 3 squadrons are 15 BC's, they will be placed under your command when you arrive.

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

Fleet Commander

Daniel "Tac" Londono

GCV Usagi

=Wraith Fleet=

"Hard,Fast, Furious...FIRST!"

[This message has been edited by Tac (edited 02-27-2000).]

[Ben Somerset]

Work has intervened in my posting. Therefore, I will post tonight, and show the perspective of someone who was actually there at the Battle of Rinaal.

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

Cmdr. Benjamin Somerset

GCV Swiftsure

Prime Fleet

Commander, SIN Wing

=TDY Wraith Fleet=

"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go into harm's way."

- John Paul Jones

[Gallion]

Filling in some gaps with activity elsewhere

[rp]

1715 GST, March 14, 3008

LV-104, Alpha Cygni

Debris Field

Word of the Gammulan assault filtered through the void of space reaching the Crew of the Graf Spee as they were making repairs. "So it has begun," mused Gallion to himself, "the Gams are actually gonna do it right this time. Will they stop at Rinaal?" Gallion muttered to himself as he updated his tactical display. From what the old Corsair had seen and experienced along with the flaky reports that filtered in sporadically over the comms, the Gams had achieved total domination of the entire Gammulan Quadrant in under three hours. A brilliant Blitzkrieg-like maneuver orchestrated and executed by the Gammulan forces. Unconsciously Gallion nodded his head in approval at what the Gams had accomplished so far.

Melancholy began to seep into Gallion's spirit when he realized exactly how much it cost Wraith for the Gammulan success. Thousands of Terran souls would not see another day, and that was just at Cerberus. The Falkyries suffered almost the same fate --- at least they survived albeit under Gammulan occupation.

Repairs to the Graf Spee were not going well. The battlecruiser was no stranger to damage but not to be able to repair the damage is what irk Gallion the most. Damage to both Cargo Bays was more extensive than previously surmised. Most of the just-in-case spares were stored in CB2 and lost during the last battle. Instead of completely repairing the Graf Spee, the most nasty and unpleasant part of sitting in the Command Chair was awaiting his approval - Which system gets repaired first. Decisions, decisions...

It has been over an hour since Gallion had heard from the last remaining Corsair. Where is Gweedo? Where is the Prinze? Questions the Graf Spee Commander asked himself. Questions for which he had no answer. The unknown answers to these questions bothered Gallion the most as he made the hard decision on repair priorities.

[/rp]

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

Cmdr. Gallion

GCV Graf Spee

Commander, Corsair Wing

=Wraith Fleet=

Bushi of the Dragon Council

"Run Silent, Run Deep"

ICQ# 29486270

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 02-28-2000).]

[Gallion]

[rp]

1712, March 14, 3008

Near Mantini Jump Point

LV-105, Alpha Cygni

ÔÇØIntruder Alert...Intruder Alert...ÔÇØ echoed throughout the decks and passageways of the GCV Prinze Eugen. Non-combat personnel were tossed and thrown aside by the Marines trying to engage the invading Gammulans.

For the second time this day the crew of this Galcom Battlecruiser was forced to defend themselves from another red-eyed alien menace. Unlike the last invasion of the PrinzeÔÇÖs bulwarks, the Gams launched a multi-point attack. Five Gammulan warriors stalked the area near the LB1, CB2, SH LB, Engineering, Weapons Pod 2, and PQ1. A total of 35 Gammulan Warriors were making their way through the Prinze. Only 28 of the original 40 Marines remained to meet this threat.

The Gammulan Transport that Commander Gweedo had been stalking was not loaded with what he had been hoping for parts and supplies. This transport vessels was carry a Battalion of Gammulan Warriors, much to GweedoÔÇÖs and the PrinzeÔÇÖs demise.

The ceaseless hands of time marched on as the Gams made their way throughout the Prinze Eugen. They did not have an easy time of it either. The Marines on the Prinze made the Gams pay dearly for each centimetre of deck space the Gams advanced. But as what was happening to the rest of Wraith Fleet, so to was happening on the deck plates within the Prinze Eugen. Two Gammulan Warriors replaced each Gammulan warrior the doomed defenders eliminated. The bridge was not spared from the effects of this onslaught either. The intensity of the battle took the entire crewÔÇÖs attention. This was not a battle; it was a war for survival.

Neither side spared the other. Neither side cut its foe any quarter. There would be no prisoners. There would be only the victor. Most of the life-support systems were out or compromised by the Gammulan deployment of BioGen weapons. Nasty buggers genetically engineered towards Terran physiology yet benign towards Gammulan physiology.

Engineering was in Gammulan hands now but not before the SEs jury-rigged some demo-charges before they were mowed down by the Gammulan Warriors. Which in turn was obliterated when they detonated. DidnÔÇÖt help the Prinze Eugen much either. It took out most of Engineering and engines out too. Warning lights and alarms went unnoticed by both parties. Their attention was directed at the annihilation of each other and not at alarm bells and whistles. To bad for all concerned for in a real short amount of time, one system would go critical and cause an uncontrolled and unrecoverable reaction that would settle the differences between the two combative forces for all time.

The system that would go critical within the next few seconds was the heart and soul of every space going vessel in the galaxy ÔÇô the nuclear reactor.

[/rp]

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 02-29-2000).]

[Gallion]

No Tac, ye have not spoiled me plans (assuming that I have one/any). I kinda figured that the next line would be Hadar-9. Follow SOP and ... well ... we can only hope fer de best

[rp]

1726 March 14, 3008

Near Area 51, Cerberus Starbase

LV-104, Alpha Cygni

The Sergeant was the sole surviving Marine of his squad fourteen. The Gammulan ground assault was relentless and brutal. Neither side gave the other any quarter and atrocities were committed by each. Several other survivors had joined the Sergeant near LZ 665, approx. 25 kilometres from Area 51 near Cerberus Starbase. None of the Marines were unscathed. They were the walking wounded. The Sergeant wondered to himself if the walking dead walked amongst them also. The Marines may have lost this battle but they had meet their mission objectives; hold off the Gams for as long as they could while the Starbase was evacuated and destroyed. Some parts of Cerberus had been breached by the Gams but they hadnÔÇÖt been able to enjoy their victory before the entire Starbase complex went up in smoke. Demo-charges placed deep under the surface destroyed both the facilities and any Gams lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time.

The Sergeant scanned the horizon and saw no sign of the Gams. Just because he couldnÔÇÖt see them, the Sergeant knew better than to become complacent. He set his charges to fortifying their position just in case the Gams decided to come and play. The Marines wouldnÔÇÖt be able to play long, ammo was short and wouldnÔÇÖt last long in a fire-fight. The Sergeant had received a priority burst transmission not to long ago and only just acknowledged it. The Gams had his full attention when the micro-burst came in.

With the perimeter set and defensive positions fortified as best as they could the physical state of the Marines, the Sergeant nodded and signalled. Each Marine activated their transponder and settled in for what they hoped would be a short wait. In a rocky and isolated vale on LV-104, the Sergeant and seven Marines waited for extraction. From who or whom they didnÔÇÖt know, they only hoped that it was not the Gams that would get them out and off this Gammulan infested slime ball of a planet.

[/rp]

[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 03-04-2000).]

[Gallion]

[rp]

1731 March 14, 3008

Wraith Star Station

Rinaal, Cyrian

What remained of the Gammulan Vanguard had engaged the final obstacle in the Rinaal system. Leader of the Vanguard, Mor-DÔÇÖr deployed his forces in what the Terran Corsair called the Blossom Flower as the Gammulan warships continued their assault on Wraith. Mor-DÔÇÖr had personally witnessed the simplicity and effectiveness of this strategy before during the First Galactic cleansing effort the War Council attempted eight terran years ago. Less than ten Terran vessels had severely damaged one of the GammulanÔÇÖs Star Stations.

Activity at the jump point dwindled as more and more Gammulan warships added their fire power to the assault on the Space Station. Slowly the StationÔÇÖs defences began to weaken and finally fail. When the shields finally fell, the order was given to deploy the Warriors and capture the station. Most of the Gammulan leaders were opposed to the capture of the Star Station but the War Council decided it would happen. The Capture of Wraith Star Station would give the Gammulan Military another base of operations in the Credian Quadrant; one that they really didnÔÇÖt need.

One by one the trailing Tarin MkII Transports transported their cargo of Warriors to the Space Station. The Gammulan Warriors began to sweep through the bowels of the station meeting no resistance. Reports began to filter back to the Gammulan leaders, most laughed it off thinking the lack of resistance meant that the Terrans had turned to cowards and had no honour. Mor-DÔÇÖr did not share this sediment. He had been fighting the terrans for a long time and knew that something was amiss. His experience against the notorious and slippery Corsair had taught him well. All was not as it seems, this is a trick, I can feel it, Mor-DÔÇÖr thought as he gave the order to what remained of the vanguard to withdraw from the now defenceless Star Station.

[/rp]

[Gallion]

[rp]

1750 March 14, 30008

Rinaal, Cygni

SOS beacons from Galcom escape pods littered the void of space in orbit above Rinaal. Those that were not fortunate enough to be picked up by a Galcom vessel was destroyed the beserking Gammulan Horde. Fifteen Galcom Battlecruisers peeled of from a group of Wraith Warships defending the doomed space station and the helpless escape pods littering the void of space around it. Mor-D'r noticed this tactical redeployment with interest and vectored several fighter squadrons from escape pod cleanup to investigate and intercept this illogical move.

The Gammulan fighters were intercepted by a large contingent of the defending Wraith fighters. Mor-D'r knew for certain that something was amiss, even as he was redploying the Vanguard and Transports away from the Wraith Star Station. To many things didn't add up to the Gammulan leader. First no resistance to the Gammulan invasion of the Star Station and now a large and strong contingent of the defending forces disengage from the fray for no reason. Mor-D'r smelled a Womp-Rat and it wasn't Gammulan. Without warning the remaining Wraith forces launched a ferocious assault on what remained of the Gammulan Blossom Flower. The ferocity and accuracy of the Wraith assault caused Mor-D'r to call for reinforcements as they broke the Gammulan line. From the Gammulan rear, opposite of the Wraith counter-assault, more Wraith Warships appeared from no where and launched yet another offensive against the exposed Gammulan backside. Casualties amongst the Transports was heavy. As quickly as it all began, the fighting stopped. Wraith Star Station was quiet and disabled, its SOS beacon began pinging for all to hear.

During all this, one cloaked Battlecruiser slipped out of Docking Bay 13 unnoticed from Wraith Station by either combatants while the fifteen other Battlecruisers disappeared from their sensors. What remained of the invading Gammulan Warriors On Wraith Star Station reached the command center of the station. The engineer accompanying the Warriors found an access port and went to work trying to slice into the computer systems. A silent counter began a three minute count when the engineer connected his PDA to the access port.

The time is 1759 GST, March 14, 3008. 70 seconds until the counter reached zero. 70 seconds until the charges left throughout Wraith-HQ detonated. 70 seconds for the Gammulan Warriors, and one Gammulan Engineer to breath the recycled air that circulated throughout the disabled Star Station. 70 seconds was all the remained for those combatants around Wraith-HQ to make an escape before the bell tolls and Wraith-HQ is no more.

It was not enough time for the Gammulans. The Wraiths were living up to their name as they made there way out of the Rinaal system to the next line in the sand; Hadar-9. Not all the Wraiths would make it, but then again not all the Gammulans would either. In his thoughts Mor-D'r bgan to curse himself and the War Council when reality finally dawned and he understood the illogic of the Wraiths.

[/rp]