Nadir Jump point of Star X541C
Admiral’s Quarters - SLS Basel
Admiral Coontz sighed heavily as Commodore Striker closed the door behind himself in disgust. As Coontz listened to the the departing footsteps of the Commordore down the passageway, he lowered himself into one of his plush armchairs and sipped a scotch. The orders he received were scattered over the operations table nearby, along with survey maps of a small rocky planetoid within the Prospector’s Paradise system. The map had several areas circled in bright red. Coontz thought back to the conversation he’d had over the past hour, and could understand Striker’s frustrations. Neither man particularly liked what they were being forced to do, but no man wanted to turn his carrier into a baby sitter.
For what seemed like the thousandth time that day, Coontz let his gaze drift to the view outside his window, wondering what next week would bring.
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March 15th 2581 1417 hrs
Nadir Jump point of Star X541C
10,000m below SLS Basel
Bridge of the SLS Prometheus
Alarm klaxons wailed.
“Multiple jump points forming, close aboard!”
Captain Kafarov nodded his head as Lt. Berryman called out the signals, watching in the holotank as the computer identified where unknown ships would soon warp into existence.
“Firecontrol, you have the con. Bring us about to prepare to engage targets.”
The firecontrol officer nodded nervously and stood a little straighter as he began issuing orders.
“Uh..helm. Bring us to heading 045, Z up 25.”
Kafarov smiled again as the helmswoman seamlessly obeyed the command, and began bringing the massive ship around to bring its main batteries on line. Kafarov turned to the firecontrol officer.
“Firecontrol, do we have a shooting solution?”
“Aye Captain, Main guns all tracking.”
“Very well.”
Turning back to the holotank, Kafarov watched as almost simultaneously, five ships burst into existence.
“IFF Codes confirmed, their ours captain.”
Kafarov smiled at the collective sigh of relief let out by the bridge crew. All of them were itching for a fight, but no one liked to be surprised, least of all when they were so vulnerable here.
“Firecontrol, I have the con. You may stand down. Helm, return us to our stationkeeping position if you please.”
Hmm…I wonder what this all means.
Twenty minutes later, Kafarov was in his cabin, reading over the flash communiqué that had just come from the Basel.
<SNT SLS BASEL; REC SLS PROMETHEUS>
<ID: ADM COONTZ>
<AUTHENTICATION 55KZ127>
<FOR YOUR EYES ONLY>
Attn. Capt. Kafarov
Below you will find outlined our augmented mission. I have sent this communication to all captains in the fleet. By now you will have seen the new arrivals, ready your ships for departure.
TF21 “Void Stompers” are to join 13th Flt in operations in Prospector’s Paradise system. Intel has confirmed suspected Taurian base on 2nd planetoid from system Primary. TF21 will engage in overwhelming ground assault on planetoid will all possible speed. 13th Flt is to provide cover and escort. Primary directive remains to engage and destroy any Taurian Naval assets. Command believes tasks are not mutually exclusive.
TF21 Composition:
Naval
SLS Gentry - Robinson
SLS Woodbine - Robinson
SLS Niettzsche - Robinson
SLS Natasha - Nightwing
SLS Boris – Tracker
Ground
509th Battle Regiment
568th Grunt Infantry Regiment
<MESSAGE TERMINATED>
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March 21st 2581 2100 hrs
Nadir Jump point of Star X541C
Quarters of Admiral Coontz
The night before the jump.
“Gentlemen and Ladies, thank you for coming.”
Admiral Coontz stood rigidly infront of the assembled Captains of the 13th Fleet and Task Force 21. His hands were clasped behind his back, and his face was bathed in the glow from the projected hologram of the Prospector's Paradise system hovering in the air before them. His face was grave.
"Before you is the Prospector's Paradise System, of the Taurian Concordat."
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"Intelligence has confirmed that the second planet of the system, labeled Yukon before you, is concealing a significant ammunition depot for the Concordat, as well as substantial orbital refitting stations." A golden label for the planet appeared below As many of you know. Originally, this Fleet was given the purpose of invading the system, and conducting a search and destroy mission for any Concordat vessels, especially those of the 3rd Fleet. This new intel has changed that plan slightly. Accordingly High Command has assigned Task Force 21 to my command, and they are charged with destroying and dismantling the ground based installations on Yukon. "
The assembled officers stared intently at the holographic map as it zoomed in on the system primary, and two glowing SLDF icons appeared.
"Intel has long suspected that this system has been the staging area for the Taurian 3rd Fleet, and HUMINT sources within the Taurian Navy has confirmed this. I needn't remind you all what the 3rd Fleet is capable of. As a result, utmost surprise is critical in this attack. Unfortunately, this has negated our ability to send small scout or surveillance ships into the system. Prospector's Paradise is not a widely used system, nor is it along normal trade routes. Any vessels not of the Taurian Navy would likely be captured or destroyed. As a result, we will be jumping into the system blind."
A audible murmuring and shuffling arose from the assembled group at the mention of jumping blind. No captain liked to jump into a unknown system blind, least of all one that was likely patrolled by the feared 3rd Fleet. The Admiral raised his hand to quiet the murmuring.
"I know none of you are particular fans of blind jumps, but I've composed a plan that hopefully will prove advantageous. It is possible that the Taurians know we are coming. If they do, they will likely mass their forces against us, and strike hard once we are jumping in, trying to cripple us before we have a chance to retaliate. Standard stuff. As a result, normally we would jump all at once, in a close order battle formation, to provide maximum protection. This we will not do."
On the holographic screen in front of them, two new golden labels appeared, one below each of the SLDF Icons.
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"Our force will divide in two, TF21, and the 13th Fleet." The captains from TF21 began to protest. They didn't particularly like being split from the heavy guns of the main fleet. The Admiral raised his hand once more for quiet. "TF21 will be reinforced with one of our Avatars, the Reliant, as well as two of the Baron Class destroyers, The Dixie and the Savannah. TF21 and escorts will burn for Yukon, hopefully making planetfall and wiping out the Taurians. In the event that the Taurians are indeed lying in wait, they will undoubtedly move to meet TF21, and engage them. That is where we come in. TF21 will jump into Prospector's Paradise's Zenith jump point, while the remainder of the fleet will jump into the Nadir jump point."
Commodore Striker piped up at this, standing to point at the holographic image.
"Admiral, would it not be better for TF21 to jump at a pirate point, allowing them an element of surprise, and getting them closer to Yukon?"
Coontz nodded thoughtfully before continuing. "You are correct Commodore, and that is indeed something I had considered. However, the pirate points of that system are highly transitory, and not well documented. With the valuable troops and ships in TF21, I will not risk a misjump for the sake of a few hours burn time. Regardless, a jump into the Zenith point will provide additional time to draw out the Taurians for the 13th. Lastly, splitting the fleet will provide two worthwhile targets for the Taurians, and will force them to divide their forces, lest they be surrounded."
The Admiral seemed finished speaking, which prompted the commander of the Natasha to speak up.
"What of the scout ships sir?"
The Admiral smiled and turned back towards the holo image.
"You and the Boris are to jump with TF21 and act as picket ships for the Task Force. You are to ride point and use your enhanced sensor arrays to attempt to get a handle on the location of the Taurian fleet. Once battle is joined, you are to fall back to the rear and avoid combat. If the situation becomes dire, I leave the choice to fight or flee in your hands. You will not be punished for your decision. That is all. Dismissed."
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March 22th 2581 0600 hrs
Nadir Jump point of Star X541C
10,000m below SLS Basel
Bridge of the SLS Prometheus
Captain Kafarov stood at attention in front of his command chair, as did the rest of the bridge crew. Every one of them was tense and ready. They’d waited a long time for this moment, and had trained nonstop to prepare for it. It had been a week since the new arrivals, and with everyone’s jump drives charged, the fleet was finally ready to depart. Moments ago, the last ASF had docked, leaving only the Admiral’s address to the fleet. All eyes expectantly turned to the bridge speaker as the Admiral’s distinctive voice crackled through.
“Officers and Sailors of the 13th Fleet. Today is the day that we strike back at those who have wounded our brothers and sisters. Today is the day that we end the threat to our comrades in arms. Today is the day that we bring peace back to the Galaxy! You have all trained incredibly hard for this moment, and I am proud to serve with you in this fleet. We will be going into battle in a few short moments, and know that I expect all of you to do your duty. It wi-“
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March 22th 2581 0600 hrs
Nadir Jump point of Star X541C
10,000m below SLS Basel
Tommy Wattkins’ and Marcy Perkins’ Battlestation – SLS Prometheus
The tinny voice rattled through the speaker as Yeomen Wattkins and Perkins sat strapped into their chairs, in anticipation of the coming jump.
“-ll not be an easy task, but it is one we must accomplish. I have absolute faith in all of you. Good luck, and God speed. Admiral Coontz, out.
Immediately after the Admiral signed off, the Jump Klaxons began to wail. Tommy and Marcy looked at one another and smiled. Finally they were going into action.
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March 22th 2581 0600 hrs
Nadir Jump point of Star X541C
Bridge of the SLS Basel
Admiral Coontz turned from the microphone to observe the bridge crew of the Basel holding perfect salutes. He crisply returned it before turning to Commodore Striker next to him.
“Commodore, prepare to jump.”
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March 22nd 2581 0630 hrs
Location REDACTED
Bridge of the TCV REDACTED
The Signals Officer handed the new communique to his Captain. He read it quickly and then began barking orders to his men. The bridge quickly became a beehive of activity, as men and women scrambled to their stations. The captain felt a rumble roll through the ship as the main drive engines came online. It was time.
<LOCATION CLASSIFIED>
<COMMUNICATION CODE X RAY>
<AUTHENTICATION BL456YYD>
Attn. Cmdr Taurian 3rd Fleet
Code OMEGA. Proceed to waypoint and execute your orders.
For the Concordat.
HC-FLTCOM Out.
<MESSAGE TERMINATED>
Edited by Listless Nomad, 15 September 2012 - 09:46 AM.