RP: The Silent Horizon Battle of Denau

[Andrew]

RP Date

YE 46.9

RP Location

VOID GATE EPHAULTI 746-TLR-2206 MIRAI

CHRYSTALIS UNVORSUM​

OPERATION: PARTY TIME​

VOID GATE EPHAULTI 746-TLR-2206 MIRAI
EPHAULTI VOID WOMB
NEXT VOID GATE EPHAULTI 746-TLR-2206 DENAU
UNN SEOJUN, 2ND IMPERIAL ARMADA, 3RD WARFLEET
COMMAND: KATARA EITAN

The shimmering plasma vortex coiled before the heart of the Ephaulti Star, a maelstrom of liquid fire that pulsed with an unnerving rhythm, like the heartbeat of a dormant titan. Its gutted, fragmented structure blazed with blinding light, each flicker casting jagged shadows across the void. The Seojun and her fleet moved cautiously into position near the star’s cortex, the heart of a womb that defied sanity. Beyond the fleet, the outermost planetary body spun in a gravity eddy, its surface scarred by voidic storms. Within the ships, every bulkhead and shutter was sealed, every crevice braced against the insanity pressing in from outside. Life aboard continued in eerie normality: duty shifts cycled, tasks were executed with military precision, and the crew tried to ignore the madness clawing at their perception.

Katara Eitan sat in the command throne of the Seojun, her expression a mask of cold focus. Beyond the armored viewscreens loomed Yuarshula, the strain of the Ephaulti womb ~ a void leviathan so vast it dwarfed the mighty 27-kilometer-long Yunaesa-Class Dreadnought. Yuarshula’s form shifted continuously, its vast anemone-like body writhing with glowing white tentacles that housed smaller parasitic dwellers. Along its spined carapace, eyes blinked into existence and vanished, mouths filled with jagged, asymmetrical teeth yawning before disappearing into folds of flesh and chitin. It was a living nightmare, a fragment of the unknowable void made manifest.

The 3rd Warfleet stood as one of Her Majesty’s last fully armed voidtech units. Nine hundred ships, each bristling with the lethality of advanced weaponry, glided through the darkness. From scouts to behemoth dreadnoughts, every vessel gleamed like blackened steel blades, freshly honed after resupplying at Vespa Lakara’s desolate depot. Their mission was grim, their resolve absolute, as they faced monstrosities on every side.

Below, on the surface of Ephault VIII, grotesque lifeforms teemed in corrupted landscapes. Insectoid and reptilian shapes writhed and hunted, their cries carried through the airless void. The faint glimmers of R’tho Colony ~ the last gasps of tainted Norian civilization ~ were a testament to the planet’s fall. It was a fragile outpost on the edge of oblivion, dwarfed by the horrors that surrounded it. The hull of the Seojun trembled as Yuarshula began its commune. A deep, resonant, whale-like song reverberated through the ship, felt as much as heard. The vibrations rattled Katara’s bones, unsettling in their primeval resonance. The translation echoed through the ship’s communication systems:

"We are involved. Your misgivings are noted. We speak of many stars glistening in the matter-realms, as we sit here staring endlessly at dying suns and cycles of death and rebirth. Generations of our offspring await upon dusted landscapes, praying for the feast to come. Kat'actha ~ your missing moon ~ our sadness and humor touch you for the absence of Sar'actha. Agreed: we commune to hunt through the matter seas without regret. My children seek, hungering for the molecules of bones and blood, tired of each other's chitinous crunch. They are ready for your feast."

Katara’s lips tightened as she listened, the alien cadence of the message scraping at her mind. “Open containment bays,” she ordered, her tone sharp. “Ensure forcefields and containment systems are active. Flood the rest of the ship with masamune waves ~ I don’t need their song affecting my crew.”

The forward containment bays groaned open, and the abyss answered. Swarms of Nolazag poured forth from the womb’s core, their movements frenetic and insectile as they darted through the cold expanse of dark and liquid space. Their clawed legs scraped against the Seojun’s melded niranum-lined holds, a shrill cacophony that was only partially dulled by the masamune waves. Inside the bay, the creatures fought amongst themselves, their frenzy palpable as they jockeyed for dominance in the confined space.

Katara addressed Yuarshula once more, her words relayed through the Seojun’s leviathan translator. “Yuarshula, your crystal prism honors you,” she said. The larger ships of the fleet began absorbing Yuarshula’s spawn into their containment bays, preparing for the carnage to come. Katara allowed herself a brief, cruel smile as she imagined the terror the Craethel would face. Let them know fear. Let them choke on the same horrors they had unleashed.

Around the fleet, more leviathans gathered. Some bore a grotesque kinship to Yuarshula, while others were alien even to the Ephaulti womb ~ adopted spawn from consumed voids, brought to heel by ancient, unfathomable rituals. They drifted into formation, their colossal bodies casting monstrous shadows across the void. Time dissolved in the endless black, as meaningless as the rules of reality that crumbled beyond the gates. Katara rose from the command throne and gave a curt nod to Tal'Kryso Leish. Without a word, she left the bridge and retreated to her private office. The final plans for the battle needed her focus. Here in the void, there was no dawn, no dusk ~ only the infinite, creeping darkness, and the promise of bloodshed.

 

[Andrew]

CHRYSTALIS UNVORSUM​

OPERATION: PARTY TIME​

Hua'shota System
Inside of Nylarionthae Veil
UNN TEAL'S STAR II, CHRYSTALIS WAR LEVIATHAN
FLAGSHIP 1ST IMPERIAL ARMADA, 1ST WAR FLEET

There was somethings that remained the same between the Eitan Ysi and their Vespan branch, was the personal desire for their leaders to remain part of the action. Aetrille, now Jol'Aester, had argued with both Uathotho and Rin about her taking part in the battle to come. Once more the imperial voice raised over the whispers of even their closest to make the decision on their own. As for the Teal's Star II, the War Leviathan was ready for it's birthright, its fierce position as a leader for all other it's kind both natural and hybridized. Being equipped with both Kagami-ready and Unvorsum-native systems, she was nothing short of a predator. The massive super-heavy turrets, smaller turrets and other weapons dotted the pristine white outer conventional shell, a truly proud display with the mix of both 11th and 12th generation ships in her company.

An entire legion of planetary marine forces camped in her carrier bays; fighters, bombers and logistics drones were being prepared for battle. Above the midline and below, the ship was bustling with activity. The new Jol'Aester walked the rows of troops that stood next to the temporary bunks, stopping ever few soldiers to tenderly touch the side of their faces and give them words of encouragement. Like most of them she was in a Cholegam Combat Suit, a PWR on her back clip, and QPP holstered on the right side of the utility belt. For some it was good to see the redistribution of non-vespans across the fleets, it improved morale and had infused the sense of pride their military forces had always had for their units.

They all had one purpose, lay a beating on Morg'gho's forces in the Denau System to exact their vengeance for their brothers and sisters still trapped on Aetlantia and Lorenz. They were part of the same party that Katara and her fleet were ready to have, just their preparations did not take them to the spaces between. The Iron Company had also been invited to the party, one that hopefully would go down in the history books. The over cautious preparations for the civil conflict that proceeded it make at least the vespans more ready and prepared than ever before. Denau was just the first stepping stone in what would eventually lead to Aetlantia and Noria.

Upbeat music kept some from the stress was to come, for others it was that comm back to Vespa or Lorenz to other members of their Ysi that enjoyed the more peaceful Kosuke Sector. Aetrielle approached a group of Kol'vartan(Cadets) and Vartans(Ensigns), obviously recently out of their first training and were about to be tossed into the fray. When she approached they stood at a attention, and held their right hand across their chest, fist coiled and touching their left shoulder. Aetrielle approached and placed her hand on the side of one of the Vartan's faces, and said quietly, "You will fight well for Noria, you will be victorious and return home to your Ysi a hero and a champion of mine." The fact that she was there with them brought many a sense of empowerment, about to march to war in her name for both ysi and nation. Reality was that many of them would never see home again, at least not from the body they were in. Some of their comrades lined up outside of medial and temporary IDE sites to make that one last backup before they dove into the bloody fray.

Aetrielle stopped at one of the youngest of the Kol'Vartans, he looked nothing more than a child dressed in armor and carrying a weapon. For him she put her hand on the right side of his cheek, and then moved in closely to place a kiss upon his forehead. It was more than obvious that meticulous honed nature of a throne bound Eitan was intimately recognizable. She said, "You will fight for the freedom of our kind, you will see the sunrise on a freed and prosperous Noria."

A short distance away, also in armor, both Rin and Artemesia had geared for battle. They watched as Aetrielle moved among the troops. There was no chance of them ever convincing her to return home to Vespa and the 'safety' of the Kosuke Sector. All they could do was take up arms and fight as well. "She certainly wears that hat well, hopefully the rest of the skills match," Rin said, in some ways she was envious. Love was something she was not exactly known for.

 

[Commissar Farzi]

Iron Company 1st Siege Fleet, outer edge of the Denau System

While Aetrielle and Katara had been making their preparations for the oncoming battle, the Company had been making preparations of their own as they entered the Denau system-mainly the large number of Garrison-Class frigates that had been brought not only as a means of combatting the space-borne threats but also as a means of transport and bombardment-their armaments a motely mixture of anti-capital ship chemrails, autocannons and missile launchers. The smaller of these, escort and support vessels known as Skimmers checked their autocannons and ensured the missiles were primed. A large number of yeomen were gathering in the various staging areas, checking over rifles, shotguns, and all many of melee weapons, ensuring heavy weapons were prepared and armor buckled. In the middle of this flotilla was one of the largest they were able to field; what looked like a massive cargo hauler, and could be easily mistaken for such if not for the blistering arrays of particle and ballistic-based weaponry that was aligned along its hull, as well as the powerful fabrication and support equipment on board-meant to support any operation; terrestrial or otherwise. Not to mention the other functions it served...

("Never thought we'd see the day we'd be fighting the Craethel again, eh Grandmaster?") Steiner looked down to the yeoman who'd addressed him from his massive command throne. ("No, I did not.") And to be fair, while willing to honor his agreement with the Norians, he was not particularly thrilled to deal with the voidic's antics. ("Have the UNI entered system yet?") He inquired, while ensuring that they had through sensor sweeps done every ten minutes, if just to ensure that they were not attacked by some horror or another that had decided to hide in its own dimensional pocket. ("Negative, still no contact.") The men were getting edgy-a flotilla of several hundred vessels and hundreds of thousands of men ready for planetary assault and here they were sitting in the in the middle of open space.

May as well hang a sign saying 'Look, here we are.'

He banished those thoughts; if this Morg'gol's hordes wanted a war, they'd give em' one. ("Do we have nuclear ordinance on standby?") The mechanoid inquired-not that any of them wanted to use anything beyond tactical warheads, but it may come to the use of strategics if they couldn't crack the defenses in a timely manner-or something bigger decided it wanted to break atmo and play. ("Aye, full range from shoulder fired to Peacemakers prepped and ready.") He nodded at the man's cheery response. ("Good-if we do not hear from the UNI in the next two hours we will commence with orbital drop operations while the fleet engages any space-borne defenses.") The grandmaster watched the system scans...still no contacts.

----

Jaster was not having a good day-the minkan had managed, albeit with some hefty convincing and a few very expensive bottles of liquor to travel along with the...yeomen-he thought they were called-not that he cared-and act as an embedded reporter. If just simply to keep tabs on these idiots and maybe dig up some juicy stories-maybe a few warcrimes. He adjusted the heavy hardsuit he wore-a scaled down model of what the company called the 'Brigandine' with the word 'Press' printed on it in Trade, Norian and what he assumed to be Valhallan. A hand clapped on his shoulder-leading him to jump and he turned and stared up into the scarred face of one Jacob Morris. "Make sure your suit's sealed; Norians tend to settle worlds with a lower oxygen count." The man informed him, making him nod as he adjusted his camera equipment-he also, at their insistence, carried a pistol-an NSP he thought it was called. "So when do you think your unit will be moving out?" He inquired, making sure his recorder was on to ensure he had something to work from. The big man shrugged before holstering his sidearm-one of those bulky machine pistols. "Whenever we hear from the Norians or we get the go-ahead from the grandmaster." He sounded nonplused as he strapped his helmet on and hefted his combat shield.

"So we're waiting?" He sounded incredulous, but with their reputation the minkan had been expecting them to charge headlong, heedless of orders or danger. "Yep, we aren't just going to make a mad dash unless its necessary." Morris cracked his neck as Jaster silently fumed-he'd been hoping for more than this-as if reading his mind he heard the big man chuckler...

----

Morris honestly found the little reported who'd decided he'd wanted to tag along more amusing than anything, and seeing the frustration in his body language he just chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll get to see all the fighting you can stomach and then some." The yeoman-sergeant's tone was both comforting and certain-he damn well knew just how bad it was going to get-after being stuck on Yamatai for almost a month after that whole debacle being back in the field was a godsend-he just hoped Alexei could handle the cohort while he was gone-then again the big man was here, and getting to enjoy some honest-to-gods ground combat. Better than being stuck aboard one of those ships her ladyship liked so much...he repressed a shudder.

He despised void combat.

 

[Andrew]

CHRYSTALIS UNVORSUM​

DENAU SYSTEM
MHS DACHOTU
FLAGSHIP, GUGNABORSHA MILITARY ARM

The Cathedral "Bridge" of the Dachotu was a waking nightmare ~ a cavernous expanse of black, glistening walls coated in a viscous, ink-like slime. The goo pulsed faintly, seeming to breathe with the countless insectoid Voidborn that had burrowed into the Leviathan’s living construct, nesting and thriving within its labyrinthine depths. Their low, incessant chittering reverberated throughout the command center, creating an unending chorus of alien noise. This was the flagship of Queen Larnthama, a grotesque seat of power and horror.

Towering craethel exoarmors flanked her throne, their massive forms radiating silent menace. At the consoles, mantis-like Tanaotha types manned intricate displays, their large, spherical clusters of hexagonal eyes catching the faint light with eerie precision. The deep, wheezing whistle of their respiration through thoracic vents added to the cacophony, a grating, discordant counterpoint to the ever-present clicking and chittering.

When a Norian collaborator entered the cathedral, the noise abruptly shifted ~ dropping to a low, menacing whisper that filled the chamber like a ghostly presence. The man, scarred and smeared with dirt, moved hesitantly. His face was nearly devoid of expression, though his darting eyes betrayed his fear. Approaching what seemed to be an empty throne, he froze as the air shimmered, and Queen Larnthama materialized.

She was almost humanoid in shape, though her appearance teetered on the edge of monstrosity. Chitinous plates formed an organic armor over her body, the dark sheen accentuating her unnervingly perfect curves. Her "hair" was a chaotic lattice of black scales, fused into a crown-like structure embedded with gleaming crimson jewels. The visible patches of her violet skin were textured and smooth, as if sculpted by some alien artist. When her mouth opened briefly, it revealed rows of serrated black teeth that glistened like obsidian, and a sharp hiss escaped, slicing through the air.

The collaborator fell to his knees, lowering himself further until his hands touched the slimy floor that clung to his fingers like oil. He said nothing at first, his mind already overpowered by her presence. A haunting, melodic song echoed within his thoughts, her voice bypassing words to sink directly into his psyche.

“The Imperium gathers their fleets at Hua’shota, my queen,” he finally whispered. His voice was tight, trembling. “They are preparing to attack us.”

Larnthama’s laughter was like the pounding of a war drum, reverberating inside his skull. The collaborator flinched, instinctively recoiling, but her gaze held him captive. She stepped forward from the throne, her movements sharp and unnatural, as though she were a marionette controlled by invisible strings. As she advanced, the throne's back unfurled like a pair of grotesque wings, revealing clusters of pinkish, semi-translucent eggs nestled beneath its armored structure.

“They come to us,” Larnthama purred, her voice a symphony of malice. “We see their brilliance in the dark and hunger for their vengeance, so that we may dine upon their carcasses and become favored in Morg’gho’s eyes.”

As she spoke, the walls came alive. Tiny, insectoid heads emerged from burrows, their mandibles clicking eagerly as if stirred by her words. Her servants moved with purpose, a symbiotic hive responding to her will.

Her focus shifted back to the collaborator, who now trembled visibly. She leaned closer, a sinister smile spreading across her alien features. From her back, a tentacular appendage extended, its slimy surface glistening as it coiled around one of the eggs. With deliberate grace, she plucked it free and brought it to the collaborator. Her voice, a siren’s song, filled his mind as he stared at her in rapt devotion, incapable of resistance.

“Such a good, warm... boy,” she crooned as the tentacle snapped forward, forcing the egg down his throat. He gagged, convulsing violently as he collapsed to the floor.

Larnthama stepped over his quivering form without pause, her laughter ringing out once more. “We prepare for battle,” she declared, her voice rising above the returning cacophony of the cathedral. “Bring forth the feast!”

The collaborator’s spasms ceased, and he rose to his feet, his movements now mechanical and lifeless. His eyes, glossy black orbs devoid of humanity, fixed upon her with mindless devotion. Larnthama returned to her throne, pulling him into her lap like a child cradled by its mother. Stroking his hair with an almost tender touch, she gazed out at her chittering, restless swarm. The Leviathan groaned as if in anticipation. The Queen and her diverse hive were ready for the bloodshed to come.


Hua'shota System
Inside of Nylarionthae Veil
UNN TEAL'S STAR II, CHRYSTALIS WAR LEVIATHAN
FLAGSHIP 1ST IMPERIAL ARMADA, 1ST WAR FLEET
At the edge of the Hua'shota system, flash after flash disrupted the darkness of space as the 1st War Fleet went into hyperspace. They hoped that the lack of Void Transit drive would at least be unexpected, it was something that everyone would have to get used to due to the fact VTD could not operate in the other universe where Vespa had already been relocated. The fleet raced toward the arrange coordinates at the edge of the Denau System.

A communication was opened with the Iron Company on an encrypted channel, "Our dear friends, I wish you victory as I have our own soldiers in the battle to come. Long range scans have indicated that most of our people are no longer alive or have been ferried to other planets for holding. It is here we show the Craethel for the first time, that much has changed since the last time we fought them. As usual our mindhives will coordinate with your ships regarding targets and optimal landing locations. Let's make sure we survive the day, so that we may celebrate a victory together once again," Aetrielle's voice, confident and commanding in the communication to their brave mercenary allies that once more stepped with them toward the darkness.

The stage was set, they knew the forces at Denau had seen their ships building. It was what they didn't see, the waiting wrath of Katara would of not been seen hiding within the Ephaulti Void Womb.

Aetrielle expanded her communication then to all of her ships as well, "All conventional and voidtech ordinance has been released from lockout. When we come out of hyperspace, engage the enemy just as we planned. My best wishes to you all."

 

[Commissar Farzi]

Steiner laughed; an awful, and some might say evil sound at the transmission, before responding. "You as well-good hunting Lady Aetrielle." To his men, a fleet-wide channel was opened, and he began his speech. ("Yeoman of the Company!") His mechanical voice cut through the general conversation-Morris looked up at the loudspeaker, even as Jaster turned on his recorder, ("Three years ago we faced down the horrors of the Craethel and their Voidspawned horrors-they tore through our loved ones, friends, and allies even as we fought on to hold them at bay as planets cracked and this universe seemed to burn around us! Through the blood, pain, and tears we saved what we could; we thought we had seen the last of them-that we could rebuild; yet they have returned, stronger than ever!") Many yeomen nodded or swore oaths of vengeance-Morris scowled at that news; so many friends had died that day-hell he'd nearly been killed a few times himself. ("Seemingly bent once again on conquest and destruction; yet now we have a chance to strike back, to deliver the first of many hammer blows to remind these abominations that the spirit of our peoples, Norian and Valhallan, is not so easily extinguished.") The men surrounding them straightened their backs, including Morris. ("This is the day we shall avenge our fallen brethren, this is the day that we shall bring the light and righteous fury of our peoples to the dark places these monstrous filth dwell, this is the day we shall restore hope to this galaxy!") A roar went up from the assembled soldiers, nearly deafening poor Jaster even as Morris joined in.

("Think they're motivated sir!") The yeoman replied, a wry grin beneath his helmet. ("Indeed, commence advance-inform our commanders that there is minimum civilian presence in the system and are cleared for weapons free and authorized to utilize tactical WMDs; keep sensors active and engage targets of opportunity.") The Seige fleet began its advance, sensors primed as the ships advanced. ("Grandmaster; enemy ships on scope-got a Leviathan and thousands of other ships surrounding it.") The grandmaster nodded("Engage the quantum energy grid and use it to link to friendly vessels; have them direct the excess power to their sheilds.") before sending a transmission to the fleet. ("Enemy fleet sighted, we are engaging quantum energy grid for shield reinforcement, prep chem rails, and fire once in the optimum range-mind your distance and spacing.") At that moment several hundred chem-rails swiveled in on their target, their large turrets lending a rather humourous appearance to the small barrels of their guns-despite their small diameter, the smallest being 30mm with the largest being 60, the rounds were propelled at near light speed thanks to the lithium deuteride case of the shell; essentially creating a highly controlled thermonuclear explosion and were able to punch holes through the thickest of capital ship armor. Of course, all this power required a bulky containment and cooling system, thus giving the turrets that housed them their rather comical appearance.

All across the fleet, the flashes of plasma lit the void as they fired, their deadly payloads raced across the stars towards the enemy...the gauntlet had been thrown..

 

[Andrew]

Denau System​

Operation Party Time Commences​

The battle unfolded with a calculated ferocity that exemplified the tactical acumen of Aetrielle and her forces. The 1st Imperial War Armada, led by the UNN Teal's Star II, pressed forward with precision, their formation a testament to both experience and innovation. At the rear, the Loaihaan-Class Carriers held position, their fighters prepared to deploy at a moment's notice. Aetrielle’s presence on the bridge was commanding, her voice sharp and decisive as she moved with purpose.

“Now, Josu Vaiso, send them our welcome gift,” she ordered, her tone carrying a mixture of gravitas and anticipation as she descended from the command throne to join her highest-ranking officers at the operations table.

The Yasho-Class Cruisers emerged from veil-cloak, old but repurposed to serve as bait for the enemy. Their reactors lit up like beacons, a tactical ruse that played into the Craethel and Voidborn arrogance. As expected, the enemy swarmed the cruisers, focusing their firepower and fighters on what they believed to be vulnerable targets. Aetrielle waited, her violet eyes fixed on the LUMEN overlay, the faintest smirk curling her lips as the Voidborn moved into the trap.

"Now, Josu Vaiso!" she commanded, her voice sharp and precise.

The cruisers’ dimensional reactors surged, a calculated overload that activated the Masamune Wave Generators. The resulting shockwaves disrupted the Voidborn ships, their rift systems collapsing and pilots succumbing to the waves’ destructive energy. Fighters collided chaotically, and the forward enemy position descended into disarray. The gambit worked, drawing more Voidborn ships ~ including massive vessels akin to small moons ~ towards the third planet.

Aetrielle wasted no time. "Launch fighter wings and change formation pattern as transmitted. Cruiser Wing One, escort your gunships to the indicated coordinates. All ships, weapons free!" Her orders came in rapid succession, orchestrating the next phase of the battle.

The Teal's Star II turned, presenting its formidable starboard side to the enemy. Its ventral beam cannons locked on target, unleashing devastating energy across a Craethel hulk, carving into its hull with relentless power. Turrets opened fire, spewing void-encased ordnance, while squadrons of fighters deployed to engage the swarming Voidborn ships.

The battle intensified as Larnthama’s legion returned fire, their asune plasma turrets targeting both the UNN and Iron Company fleets. The UNN Jecaida, an Inyanthaes-Class Battleship, and its escorts altered their trajectory to assist the Iron Company in their landing operations. Amid the chaos, Aetrielle’s calm, strategic focus remained unshaken.

"Second Wave, go!" she ordered, her voice cutting through the tension. "Get those troop transports to the planet so they can deploy their dropships."

The first volleys of torpedoes struck against the fleet's field systems, their impacts reverberating through the Teal's Star II, but the massive War Leviathan held firm. This was only the beginning, a calculated opening salvo in a battle that would set the tone for the larger campaign. As Katara’s fleet engaged VTD to join the fray, Aetrielle prepared her forces for the long, brutal conflict ahead. The fate of planets and people hung in the balance, but for now, the enemy was reeling, and the UNN and the Company had seized the momentum, just the question was - how long could they keep it up? They intended to find out.

 

[Commissar Farzi]

("This is ICS Errant-we've taken multiple hits to the fore and starboard side-shields breached-reporting-")

("Holy shit those fighters move fast-")

("They're coming up from the galactic plain!")

Steiner cursed as the battle was joined-the Norian fleet had closed faster than he'd anticipated, and outside of the Dawn company vessels consisted of heavy frigates and light cutters-granted the Garrison-Class was a formidable craft, but it was dwarfed,and likely outclassed, most of the enemy's own. While some minor variation by craft fielded, Valhallan as whole doctrine dictated maintaining distance, minimizing sensor presence if possible, even in larger battles, slow, steady movement, careful observation, and use of the full three-dimensional battlespace to try and maneuver for a killing blow. This was simply due to the fact that starships while not necessarily a rarity, were still costly assets to manufacture and the personnel who could operate them with any real effectiveness. Unfortunately, the scale of the operation, along with this being a planetary assault, and as this was technically a Norian battle theater meant that they'd been forced to adopt a similar tactic. It was why they'd brought so many ships.

Their opening volley was effective, but the enemy's retaliation was just as deadly. Even with the Dawn running the energy grid, their return fire had damaged a number of their craft, having underestimated the projectiles' overall speed.

("Sir, got Void transitions in system-her eminence is joining us.") The mechanoid nodded, analyzing the battlescape-the Norian fleet was close, not as close as to be in brawling range, but close enough that they would be the main focus of the enemy's attention; not one to leave so much to chance, he decided to take a few precautions of his own. ("Order the Third to form a screening formation, have all transports prepare to launch gliders and drop pods, launch fighter and Thud bastion units to escort, prepare Peacemakers to fire on my command!") Around them, the Company's own vessels returned fire, autocannon and missiles streaking through the void-while they likely would miss, presenting a very clear and present danger for whomever happened to be on the receiving end potentially centuries down the end, at least for the autocannon shells-the added chaos would present an even deadlier threat for their enemies-the railguns were far more effective however-their high-speed shells slamming into the hulls of enemy vessels and tearing their hull asunder.

---

("Glider and drop pods-prepare for the first drop!") A flurry of activity as Jaster found himself shoved aboard a cigar-shaped vessel with what looked like primitive reto-thrusters and long wings bolted and welded onto it having been set into a pneumatic sling-catapult, the big man-Morris-bringing the safety harness down with his video camera firmly in hand. "When we hit the ground, stay close and keep your head down-it's gonna get ugly fast." Morris explained, settling in beside him, shield in one hand and hammer in the other. ("Brace for launch!") There was chunk, with the sensation of rocketing forward. Out in the void, the sight of dozens of what seemed to be gliders being guided by simple thrusters and single man-drop pods raced towards the planet. Morris smiled despite himself, in spite of hating anything that had to do with void-based warfare, they'd be hitting planetside soon enough-which was fine by him. ("ETA, 1 minuet till we breach atmo-make sure your weapons are loaded, supplies tucked and you're ready to go-I don't want this turning into anyone's tomb!") The glider began to shake as they started their descent...

 

[Andrew]

UNN TEAL'S STAR II, CHRYSTALIS (TITAN) WAR LEVIATHAN​

FLAGSHIP 1ST IMPERIAL ARMADA, 1ST WAR FLEET​

As Aetrielle closely monitored the tactical display, she issued rapid commands, poised with military precision. "Deepen our formation into the system, prepare fighter and bomber wings for deployment," she directed, swiftly inputting waypoints for the helm officers. Her voice carried the weight of command, "All ships, weapons free." This strategic shift diverted the enemy's focus toward the formidable war fleet rather than the vulnerable transports. Moments later, drop pods from the Iron Company hurtled through the atmosphere, streaking past to join the fray on the planet's surface.

The War Leviathan thundered into action, its formidable arsenal firing in concert. Despite being outnumbered, Aetrielle's fleet held its ground, bolstered by the anticipation of Katara's fleet joining the battle. The Leviathan's ventral cannons unleashed devastation, one beam slicing through a Craethel cruiser with lethal precision. The bridge vibrated under the impact of enemy fire, prompting Aetrielle to brace herself against the operations table.

Kol'Yana Iotra's voice broke through the chaos, "All weapons engaged. Detecting multiple exotic particle surges ~ none are ours. Adjusting for potential threats."

Aetrielle adjusted the tactical projections as the space around them churned with activity. New rifts tore open, hinting at imminent reinforcements or new adversaries. She relayed quick adjustments to the fleet, preparing them to maneuver as needed.

Suddenly, twenty-five rifts crystallized into reality, ejecting an array of vessels previously sighted at Tsenlan. These ships, sleek and aggressive, blasted past the Teal's Star, their engines roaring in defiance. Close behind them, eight nebulous spheres emerged, each radiating mindhive signatures. These newcomers opened a fierce offensive against the Craethel and voidborn forces, their beam cannons and turrets weaving a deadly dance through the battlefield, meticulously avoiding the Norian fleet.

Kol'Yana Iotra, awe mixed with caution in his tone, reported, "Unknown vessels, ma'am. They're not targeting us...yet. But the spatial disruptions are massive and multiplying."

Aetrielle watched the new arrivals reshape the battle's dynamics, their unexpected alliance tipping the scales. She remained vigilant, ready to adapt to the swiftly evolving combat scenario, her mind racing with strategies to capitalize on this unforeseen advantage.

Miathatha Dissent-Sorusk, Command Cathedral​

Orthaanak Military Arm

As the VTD peeled away, the colossal Mathatha Leviathan emerged into real space with a majestic unfurling. Accompanied by a fleet of battleships, battlecruisers, and another smaller Leviathan, the Mathatha's arrival was signaled by a symphony of whistles and clicks from its mixed humanoid and insectoid crew. They operated as a unified entity, their minds interlinked with the ship's clustered hive mind, facilitating the complex calculations required for their transition from void to dimensional travel.

The Command Cathedral, a massive control center spanning four decks, housed the command platform which floated between levels, adapting to the needs of the moment. At the tactical level, a solitary figure dominated the space. Lao'Taun, a tall, muscular man with striking fuchsia-illuminated eyes and black hair, stood at an expansive operations table. His combat suit, sleek and functional, matched the serious expression etched across his face. The table displayed a flurry of projections, some in the common galactic script and others in cryptic insectoid scribe, illuminating the dimly lit deck.

Surrounding him, the only other notable feature was a massive throne-like structure, symbolizing command and authority. As the Mathatha identified friend from foe, Lao'Taun connected seamlessly with the crew, each member neurally linked to the mindhive, enabling instantaneous communication and command execution.

Raising his head, Lao'Taun's voice resonated through the cathedral and beyond, broadcasting an open communication to the nearby Norian vessels. "Norian vessels, we are here to assist. Stand by for tactical uplink so we can cooperate effectively," he announced, his voice firm and commanding.

Simultaneously, a volumetric projection of Lao'Taun materialized on the bridge of the Teal's Star II, ensuring his presence was both seen and felt across the distance. As he spoke, the Mathatha's hull came to life; compartment doors slid open with mechanical precision, revealing an arsenal of missile batteries and beam cannons. Turrets rose menacingly from the ship's surface, aligning along its main axis, ready to engage the enemy and assist their newfound allies in the unfolding conflict.


DENAU III

As the Norian and Iron Company dropships and gliders pierced the turbulent atmosphere of the embattled planet, the darkened skies erupted with the fiery chaos of ground-based anti-starship defenses. Missile swarms and relentless anti-starship weapons illuminated the heavens, tracing deadly arcs of light that met the descending crafts with explosive fury.

The more sophisticated Norian dropships activated their combined field systems, enveloping themselves and their Iron Company allies in protective energy bubbles. Despite their efforts, the relentless barrage from the planet's surface proved too formidable for some. Several drop pods were struck, succumbing to the fiery onslaught and breaking apart in midair. This resulted in a grim rainfall of debris, scattering fragments of what were once hopeful vessels across the sky.

Amid the chaos, the remaining dropships and gliders continued their perilous descent, each explosion marking a loss yet reinforcing the determination of those still airborne. The crews worked feverishly to maneuver through the deadly gauntlet, coordinating closely to maximize their defensive capabilities and protect as many as possible from the lethal welcome that awaited them below.

As the dust and chaos of Denau's capital, Uisan, settled around them, Rin's voice cut through the tense silence. The echo of her words reverberated slightly inside her helmet as she finalized her preparations, "Almost down...Ai jyhli o" (I love you)

Next to her, Artemesia adjusted her own armor, the sleek lines of her suit catching the dim light filtering through the haze of destruction. She reached up to secure her helmet, her movements precise and practiced. As she clicked the helmet into place, she responded, her voice steady yet charged with anticipation, "Ready as we'll ever be. Ai jyhli o sai" (I love you too)

They both surveyed the landscape of Uisan ~ what was once a bustling cityscape now lay in ruins, a testament to the horrors of war. It was hard to believe that much destruction could happen that fast. The remnants of once-grand structures poked through the smoke like the bones of a decimated leviathan.

Artemesia scanned the immediate vicinity, her tactical display highlighting points of interest and potential threats. "I've marked several rally points. Once we regroup, we'll push towards the central district, We should probably hook up with those company guys before we do," she strategized aloud, ensuring Rin was in sync with the plan.

Rin nodded, her visor reflecting the stark, broken cityscape. "Let's make sure everyone makes it through this. We're not just reclaiming a city; we're one step closer to reclaiming Aetlantia if we do." Her voice, usually so firm and resolute, carried a hint of something deeper, something personal.