Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction / Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction ❯ Soldier, Sailor, Jedi, Sith ❯ Chapter 12 ( Chapter 13 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Maj_Scooter 
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction / Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.24.2007 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.8K | Visits: 464 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction / Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.24.2007 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.8K | Visits: 464 | Status: Work In Progress
CAVALIER EFB
Cavalier, ND
Sitting in a bunker under the large pyramid-shaped phased array radar, a technician noted two distinct sets of radar returns from the space-tracking radar. Originally, Cavalier and its radar belonged to the Air Force, as part of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System. However, with the establishment of the Earth Defense Force, most ICBMs, their associated early warning sites, and personnel were transferred over as for space defense, complete with upgrades from the Republic forces. "Captain," the former Air Force tech sergeant, still wearing his USAF uniform, called to the duty officer. "I've got incoming returns: one on a bearing of 215 degrees by 270 degrees. The other is at 45 degrees by 50 degrees."
The duty officer, a former Republic Army air-defense artillery company commander, peered over the sergeant's shoulder, and read the computer screen. "The Harder and Tang are in the lunar airdocks. The Republic is in close orbit near Japan.
"Have you queried their IFFs?"
"The one coming in at bearing 215 is reporting Republic codes. The other group has not replied, sir. The latter return is firming up into only three contacts. The former group has resolved into 77 ships, Captain."
Three contacts, unknown IFF. Lady Pluto's charts didn't show any other spacefaring races near Terra. Closest one would have been just over three parsecs out, around Epsilon Eridani. "Standby alert. Get me EDF Headquarters." Klaxons began sounding throughout the bunker, while yellow beacons began rotating. Were they go to full alert, generators would automatically make the facility self-sufficient, dimming the overhead lights to blue as a power conservation measure. Cavalier had one of the lowest priorities in the EDF for conversion to fusion power, making it independent of the state power grid.
"Captain, I have EDF Headquarters, Cheyenne Mountain, on the line," the communications technician called. The duty officer picked up the anachronistic, in his eyes, handset.
"Captain, this is General Hammond. Go ahead."
"General, Captain Antares, duty officer at Cavalier. We've detected multiple inbound tracks, sir; all but three with Republic ident codes. They're still far enough away that we're unable to get an accurate radar image..."
"Captain," another radar tech called from her station, "I've got another return reported from Thule EFB, 12th Space Wing. They're confirming three contacts, sir."
"RAF Flyingdales has the contacts as well, Captain," a third tech called.
"Radar imagery is firming up, sir. Two contacts approximately .9 kilometers...third contact 1.6 kilometers."
Antares looked at the computer screen in front of him, while holding the phone's handset against his chest. Shaking his head, he spoke into the handset. "General Hammond, we have three Imperial Star Destroyers approaching Terra. It appears to be two Victory-class and one Imperator-class vessels. I recommend a planetary alert, and notify the incoming Allied vessels to prepare to defend themselves."
"Recommendation noted and logged, Captain...Standby." General Hammond terminated the conversation. Within moments of Captain Antares hanging the phone up, the DEFCON, Defense Condition, status board went from 4 to 2.
"Planetary alert. This is not a drill. Planetary alert. This is not a drill," a synthesized female voice ordered over the station's loudspeakers.
"We're not ready," Antares muttered, as he slumped into his chair. "May the Force be with us."
EFS Republic
Low Earth Orbit, currently over the Pacific
"Admiral on the bridge," a sentry called, as Admiral Gerrod walked onto the newly rechristened Star Destroyer. Red alert beacons were flashing on the bridge, as the muted alert klaxon sounded. Of course, in other parts of the ship, it was much louder.
"Status report," he barked.
"Sir, three contacts were initially detected by Cavalier radar station. Captain Antares placed his station on standby alert, and contacted General Hammond at Cheyenne Mountain. While briefing the General, additional radar sites picked up the bogies, and identified them. General Hammond issued a planetary alert, including local orbital space."
"Very well then. What have we got coming in?"
"Two Victories and an Imperator. Ident codes are firming up as we speak, sir." The Admiral's aide motioned to the holographic projection. "Our fleet has arrived in system from Chara. The Tang and Harder are recalling their personnel from shore leave within the Palace complex. Their captains state it will take about 10 minutes to clear Airdock."
"ETA to intercept?"
"6 minutes, Admiral." A junior officer came running up with a sheet of flimsy. "Identity confirmed on the three inbound bogies, Admiral. The Black Prince, escorted by the Ramilles and the Praetor."
"Captain," Gerrod called, "take us out of orbit. Order all personnel to their battlestations, and launch the snubfighters.
"Has General Lim been appraised?"
"I believe so, Admiral, by General Hammond."
"Notify Earth Force Headquarters anyway. Make sure that General Lim gets confirmation of this probe."
"Aye sir."
ISD Serenity Dominant
"Commodore, long range sensors have picked up three Imperial warships, on a course for Terra."
"Message from Admiral Gerrod, Commodore, ordering all Terra orbiting ships to battlestations. Planetary alert has been issued by Earth Force Headquarters."
"Commodore, I have the Republic on sensors. She's moving out of Terra's sensor shadow, coming from low orbit."
Commodore Yonaton Archer looked at the holographic situation table in front of him, and planned his next moves. "Communications—signal the fleet: ‘Battlestations'. Inform all Star Destroyers to form up on us; all other ships are to continue in convoy to Saturn and take concealed positions within that planet's ring structure.
"CAG—bring the wing to full readiness, standby alert. Helm—plot an intercept course, and transmit to the Star Destroyers on a coded frequency. Flank speed to the target." The orders issued, the bridge crew of the Serenity Dominant snapped to work, with the quiet efficiency that made this former crew of the Republic Star Destroyer Aggravator the scourge of Separatist naval forces in the Clone Wars. The deck plates of the bridge vibrated as blast doors throughout the mile-long warship slammed shut. Icons hovering in midair on the holo-table showed the civilian ships with their Dreadnought and corvette escort peel away from the 19 remaining Star Destroyers.
"Commodore, all Star Destroyers are in formation. Captain Neyrise of the Valiant wishes us good hunting."
"Fighter wings standing by on all Star Destroyers, Commodore."
"Course plotted, laid in, and transmitted to the formation, Commodore.'
"Engage." The three main and four secondary nozzles of the Serenity Dominant lit up, and began propelling the massive ship toward her destiny. Around her, in a three dimensional wedge formation, the remaining two Imperators and 16 Vicstars kept close tab on their current flagship.
Earth Defense Force Headquarters
Teaneck Armory, Teaneck NJ
The Enterprise touched down on the drill field in front of the old New Jersey Army National Guard armory, only a few minutes flight from New York City. Ranma walked down the ramp and up the front steps into the Depression-era building sitting on the Teaneck/Bergenfield border. Soldiers quickly began covering the Lambda-class shuttle with sensor disruptive camouflage netting. "What's the situation," the pigtailed Jedi Master said as he walked onto the former drill floor, turned command center. Modern workstations sat next to antique steel desks, as power and data cables snaked towards one of the two roll up doors in the back of the drill floor, to the tactical fusion generators and antenna farm set up in the motor pool yard.
The watch officer motioned the Earth Force commander to the holo-table. "Sir, Cavalier Station identified multiple inbound contacts; all but three resolved themselves into our fleet coming in from Chara. The remaining three contacts have resolved themselves into three Imperial Star Destroyers; the Black Prince, an Imperator; the Praetor and Ramilles; both Victory-class ships. They are on an inbound vector for Earth.
"The Republic is now four minutes out from interception. Admiral Gerrod feels that this is merely a probe by the Imperials, to regain lost intelligence after Commander Fokker destroyed a probe droid in L5 space. Commodore Archer has ordered the fleet to make for Saturn, and take concealed positions in that planet's ring system whilst taking the remaining Star Destroyers at flank speed to intercept the Imperials as well. They are now ten minutes from interception.
"The Tang and Harder were on liberty in the airdocks, and are making flank speed to rendezvous with the Republic. General Hammond ordered a planetary alert; all ICBM sites are on full alert, standing by for launch codes; all terrestrial based fighter units are on five minute alert, reserve units are coming up to alert status as their pilots report in. The heads of state and Secretary General are currently enroute to secure locations. The NASA space shuttle Discovery is evacuating the International Space Station, aborting her resupply mission. She'll be touching down at McGuire EFB."
The icon indicating the Republic was closing on the three Imperial warships. Ranma looked at the display, as he sat down in an old Government Services Administration office chair, a holdover from the Armory's days belonging to the under funded and equipped National Guard. "We certainly have the numbers, so unlike during the early days of the Clone Wars. I think the will Force be with us."
Imperial Star Destroyer Black Prince
The sensor technician looked up from his display, and called his superior over. Who in turn looked up at the ship's captain. "Captain, long range sensors have picked up inbound Star Destroyers."
Captain Caradoc halted his pacing and looked down in the crew pit. "What do you mean ‘inbound Star Destroyers'?"
"Twenty Destroyers, Captain. Most are older Victory-class, but sensor returns indicate at least four Imperator-class. The first is less than five standard minutes from interception. We're picking up only one Imperial transponder code—the Republic."
"Signal Ramilles and Praetor. They're to defend this ship to the last. Bring us to battlestations, and prepare to launch TIE fighters."
"Message transmitted, Captain. Captains Selen and Bran'dhu acknowledge the order, sir." The formation changed to an inverted Vee, with the two older Star Destroyers taking point. TIE fighters began launching from the bellies of the Imperial warships.
"Admiral Gerrod, the Imperials are entering turbolaser range."
"Sensors are picking up TIE fighters, Admiral."
"Launch all fighters; shields to maximum. Bring starboard batteries to bear." The Republic turned ninety degrees to the Imperials vector of travel, bringing half her armament to bear on the three Imperial warships. From within her primary hangar deck, her snubfighters, half Clone War relic ARC-170s and half modern Y-Wing fighters, deployed, to meet the incoming onslaught of two hundred TIEs.
"Admiral, we have a targeting solution on the Ramilles; heavy turbolasers only."
"Commence fire." Located near the after command terrace, ten of the Republic's heavy turbolasers began firing on the approaching Imperial ships. Ruby red bolts of coherent energy punched through the Ramilles' shields, tearing great chunks out of her superstructure. Smaller numbers of verdant green bolts from the Black Prince's heavy batteries replied, slamming into the Republic's shields. Additional bolts from the Imperial's escorts began peppering the current flagship of Earth Force.
"Admiral, starboard shields are down 40%."
"Begin a starboard roll; fire as batteries bear on targets. How are our fighters doing?"
"We're down to half-strength, Admiral," the ship's CAG replied, as space began to show the effects of the current orders. Batteries along the dorsal keel and portside began firing as they were brought to bear on the Imperial warships. The Tang and Harder streaked past the command tower of the Republic, their lasers firing, like gnats attacking an elephant.
"ETA of Commodore Archer's section?"
"Five minutes, Admiral."
"Very well then, continue the..." Admiral Gerrod's order was interrupted by the ship shaking violently, throwing anyone standing down to the deck. "Damage report," he shouted, as the Republic's emergency lights snapped on.
"Forward shields pierced, Admiral; emergency power cell hit. The ship is currently in a two axis spin; attempting to stabilize."
"Damnit...continue firing. As soon as Commodore Archer arrives, we're withdrawing." The forward viewports showed the three dagger-like ships of the Imperial group, aimed right for the very heart of the Republic. Short lived fireballs blossomed in the void, as Imperial and Rebel fighters were destroyed in the swirling furball between the four Star Destroyers.
"Admiral; incoming fighters," the defense coordinator shouted from the crew pit.
"From where, Commander?"
"From astern, sir; IFF indicates friendlies," she replied, the relief evident in her voice. ARC-170s and Y-Wings from the rest of the Rebel Star Destroyers swept past the Republic's bridge.
"Message from the Serenity Dominant, Admiral: ‘Looks like you could use a little help. Commodore Archer.' Message from the Harder, Admiral. They state that they've taken a significant hit, and need to shut down the main reactor for repairs."
"Blast it. Signal Commodore Archer to detail a Vicstar to watch over them while they make emergency repairs.
Aboard the Black Prince, Caradoc looked at the change in tactical situation. Three additional Imperator-class Star Destroyers led a formation of Vicstars towards the Republic's position, and were just entering turbolaser range. From a position of strength, the Imperials moved to one of weakness, with the Rebels suddenly gaining a six to one advantage in snubfighters, albeit primarily with obsolete fighters, and in capital warships. "Communications signal the Ramilles and Praetor: ‘Recall all fighters and return to base.' Fighter Control, recall our TIEs immediately. Navigation, begin plotting a return course to base. Once you have the calculations, transmit them to our escorts. Helm, as soon as you have the coordinates, make the jump to hyperspace." Their only success had been crippling the Harder and damaging the Republic.
The TIE fighters began breaking off combat with the Rebel fighters, and used their superior speed to return to their carriers. As soon as the last few were pulled into the hangar bays, the armored shutters closed and the massive ships began their run up to lightspeed. With the barest flicker of pseudomotion, they leapt into hyperspace.
00000
Serenity Dominant pulled along side the battered Republic; the flagship's armor covered with carbon scoring, where volleys from the Imperial ships penetrated her shields. A shuttle left the docking bay and headed to the flagship. Commodore Archer was met in the hangar by Admiral Gerrod. "Congratulations, Admiral," the deputy fleet commander said, "on a great victory."
"Commodore, are you sure you still aren't an Imperial?" Gerrod asked, jokingly. "That was no battle. That was a minor engagement, with a reconnaissance force. Admiral Criofan will be returning with a much larger force, possibly his entire force.
"Your orders, Commodore, are to recall the support fleet and their escorts, and have them dock in the Royal airdocks on Luna. Flag Lieutenant Rein will provide you with the coordinates. I want all but six task groups docked there as well. The six groups will patrol out to two light-years, but will not engage the enemy, unless there is a good chance at victory. We don't have the unlimited resources that the Empire has. Understood?" Commodore Archer nodded. "Very good. Now then, get some rest, and tomorrow, we'll begin a detailed scan of the Sol System and uncover what potential strategic resources are in the system."
"Admiral, I will also check in with General Lim, and let him know that the fleet has arrived."
Gerrod nodded, as he turned to return to bridge. He paused, and faced the Commodore. "And Yonaton, welcome to Earth Force."
Cavalier, ND
Sitting in a bunker under the large pyramid-shaped phased array radar, a technician noted two distinct sets of radar returns from the space-tracking radar. Originally, Cavalier and its radar belonged to the Air Force, as part of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System. However, with the establishment of the Earth Defense Force, most ICBMs, their associated early warning sites, and personnel were transferred over as for space defense, complete with upgrades from the Republic forces. "Captain," the former Air Force tech sergeant, still wearing his USAF uniform, called to the duty officer. "I've got incoming returns: one on a bearing of 215 degrees by 270 degrees. The other is at 45 degrees by 50 degrees."
The duty officer, a former Republic Army air-defense artillery company commander, peered over the sergeant's shoulder, and read the computer screen. "The Harder and Tang are in the lunar airdocks. The Republic is in close orbit near Japan.
"Have you queried their IFFs?"
"The one coming in at bearing 215 is reporting Republic codes. The other group has not replied, sir. The latter return is firming up into only three contacts. The former group has resolved into 77 ships, Captain."
Three contacts, unknown IFF. Lady Pluto's charts didn't show any other spacefaring races near Terra. Closest one would have been just over three parsecs out, around Epsilon Eridani. "Standby alert. Get me EDF Headquarters." Klaxons began sounding throughout the bunker, while yellow beacons began rotating. Were they go to full alert, generators would automatically make the facility self-sufficient, dimming the overhead lights to blue as a power conservation measure. Cavalier had one of the lowest priorities in the EDF for conversion to fusion power, making it independent of the state power grid.
"Captain, I have EDF Headquarters, Cheyenne Mountain, on the line," the communications technician called. The duty officer picked up the anachronistic, in his eyes, handset.
"Captain, this is General Hammond. Go ahead."
"General, Captain Antares, duty officer at Cavalier. We've detected multiple inbound tracks, sir; all but three with Republic ident codes. They're still far enough away that we're unable to get an accurate radar image..."
"Captain," another radar tech called from her station, "I've got another return reported from Thule EFB, 12th Space Wing. They're confirming three contacts, sir."
"RAF Flyingdales has the contacts as well, Captain," a third tech called.
"Radar imagery is firming up, sir. Two contacts approximately .9 kilometers...third contact 1.6 kilometers."
Antares looked at the computer screen in front of him, while holding the phone's handset against his chest. Shaking his head, he spoke into the handset. "General Hammond, we have three Imperial Star Destroyers approaching Terra. It appears to be two Victory-class and one Imperator-class vessels. I recommend a planetary alert, and notify the incoming Allied vessels to prepare to defend themselves."
"Recommendation noted and logged, Captain...Standby." General Hammond terminated the conversation. Within moments of Captain Antares hanging the phone up, the DEFCON, Defense Condition, status board went from 4 to 2.
"Planetary alert. This is not a drill. Planetary alert. This is not a drill," a synthesized female voice ordered over the station's loudspeakers.
"We're not ready," Antares muttered, as he slumped into his chair. "May the Force be with us."
EFS Republic
Low Earth Orbit, currently over the Pacific
"Admiral on the bridge," a sentry called, as Admiral Gerrod walked onto the newly rechristened Star Destroyer. Red alert beacons were flashing on the bridge, as the muted alert klaxon sounded. Of course, in other parts of the ship, it was much louder.
"Status report," he barked.
"Sir, three contacts were initially detected by Cavalier radar station. Captain Antares placed his station on standby alert, and contacted General Hammond at Cheyenne Mountain. While briefing the General, additional radar sites picked up the bogies, and identified them. General Hammond issued a planetary alert, including local orbital space."
"Very well then. What have we got coming in?"
"Two Victories and an Imperator. Ident codes are firming up as we speak, sir." The Admiral's aide motioned to the holographic projection. "Our fleet has arrived in system from Chara. The Tang and Harder are recalling their personnel from shore leave within the Palace complex. Their captains state it will take about 10 minutes to clear Airdock."
"ETA to intercept?"
"6 minutes, Admiral." A junior officer came running up with a sheet of flimsy. "Identity confirmed on the three inbound bogies, Admiral. The Black Prince, escorted by the Ramilles and the Praetor."
"Captain," Gerrod called, "take us out of orbit. Order all personnel to their battlestations, and launch the snubfighters.
"Has General Lim been appraised?"
"I believe so, Admiral, by General Hammond."
"Notify Earth Force Headquarters anyway. Make sure that General Lim gets confirmation of this probe."
"Aye sir."
ISD Serenity Dominant
"Commodore, long range sensors have picked up three Imperial warships, on a course for Terra."
"Message from Admiral Gerrod, Commodore, ordering all Terra orbiting ships to battlestations. Planetary alert has been issued by Earth Force Headquarters."
"Commodore, I have the Republic on sensors. She's moving out of Terra's sensor shadow, coming from low orbit."
Commodore Yonaton Archer looked at the holographic situation table in front of him, and planned his next moves. "Communications—signal the fleet: ‘Battlestations'. Inform all Star Destroyers to form up on us; all other ships are to continue in convoy to Saturn and take concealed positions within that planet's ring structure.
"CAG—bring the wing to full readiness, standby alert. Helm—plot an intercept course, and transmit to the Star Destroyers on a coded frequency. Flank speed to the target." The orders issued, the bridge crew of the Serenity Dominant snapped to work, with the quiet efficiency that made this former crew of the Republic Star Destroyer Aggravator the scourge of Separatist naval forces in the Clone Wars. The deck plates of the bridge vibrated as blast doors throughout the mile-long warship slammed shut. Icons hovering in midair on the holo-table showed the civilian ships with their Dreadnought and corvette escort peel away from the 19 remaining Star Destroyers.
"Commodore, all Star Destroyers are in formation. Captain Neyrise of the Valiant wishes us good hunting."
"Fighter wings standing by on all Star Destroyers, Commodore."
"Course plotted, laid in, and transmitted to the formation, Commodore.'
"Engage." The three main and four secondary nozzles of the Serenity Dominant lit up, and began propelling the massive ship toward her destiny. Around her, in a three dimensional wedge formation, the remaining two Imperators and 16 Vicstars kept close tab on their current flagship.
Earth Defense Force Headquarters
Teaneck Armory, Teaneck NJ
The Enterprise touched down on the drill field in front of the old New Jersey Army National Guard armory, only a few minutes flight from New York City. Ranma walked down the ramp and up the front steps into the Depression-era building sitting on the Teaneck/Bergenfield border. Soldiers quickly began covering the Lambda-class shuttle with sensor disruptive camouflage netting. "What's the situation," the pigtailed Jedi Master said as he walked onto the former drill floor, turned command center. Modern workstations sat next to antique steel desks, as power and data cables snaked towards one of the two roll up doors in the back of the drill floor, to the tactical fusion generators and antenna farm set up in the motor pool yard.
The watch officer motioned the Earth Force commander to the holo-table. "Sir, Cavalier Station identified multiple inbound contacts; all but three resolved themselves into our fleet coming in from Chara. The remaining three contacts have resolved themselves into three Imperial Star Destroyers; the Black Prince, an Imperator; the Praetor and Ramilles; both Victory-class ships. They are on an inbound vector for Earth.
"The Republic is now four minutes out from interception. Admiral Gerrod feels that this is merely a probe by the Imperials, to regain lost intelligence after Commander Fokker destroyed a probe droid in L5 space. Commodore Archer has ordered the fleet to make for Saturn, and take concealed positions in that planet's ring system whilst taking the remaining Star Destroyers at flank speed to intercept the Imperials as well. They are now ten minutes from interception.
"The Tang and Harder were on liberty in the airdocks, and are making flank speed to rendezvous with the Republic. General Hammond ordered a planetary alert; all ICBM sites are on full alert, standing by for launch codes; all terrestrial based fighter units are on five minute alert, reserve units are coming up to alert status as their pilots report in. The heads of state and Secretary General are currently enroute to secure locations. The NASA space shuttle Discovery is evacuating the International Space Station, aborting her resupply mission. She'll be touching down at McGuire EFB."
The icon indicating the Republic was closing on the three Imperial warships. Ranma looked at the display, as he sat down in an old Government Services Administration office chair, a holdover from the Armory's days belonging to the under funded and equipped National Guard. "We certainly have the numbers, so unlike during the early days of the Clone Wars. I think the will Force be with us."
Imperial Star Destroyer Black Prince
The sensor technician looked up from his display, and called his superior over. Who in turn looked up at the ship's captain. "Captain, long range sensors have picked up inbound Star Destroyers."
Captain Caradoc halted his pacing and looked down in the crew pit. "What do you mean ‘inbound Star Destroyers'?"
"Twenty Destroyers, Captain. Most are older Victory-class, but sensor returns indicate at least four Imperator-class. The first is less than five standard minutes from interception. We're picking up only one Imperial transponder code—the Republic."
"Signal Ramilles and Praetor. They're to defend this ship to the last. Bring us to battlestations, and prepare to launch TIE fighters."
"Message transmitted, Captain. Captains Selen and Bran'dhu acknowledge the order, sir." The formation changed to an inverted Vee, with the two older Star Destroyers taking point. TIE fighters began launching from the bellies of the Imperial warships.
"Admiral Gerrod, the Imperials are entering turbolaser range."
"Sensors are picking up TIE fighters, Admiral."
"Launch all fighters; shields to maximum. Bring starboard batteries to bear." The Republic turned ninety degrees to the Imperials vector of travel, bringing half her armament to bear on the three Imperial warships. From within her primary hangar deck, her snubfighters, half Clone War relic ARC-170s and half modern Y-Wing fighters, deployed, to meet the incoming onslaught of two hundred TIEs.
"Admiral, we have a targeting solution on the Ramilles; heavy turbolasers only."
"Commence fire." Located near the after command terrace, ten of the Republic's heavy turbolasers began firing on the approaching Imperial ships. Ruby red bolts of coherent energy punched through the Ramilles' shields, tearing great chunks out of her superstructure. Smaller numbers of verdant green bolts from the Black Prince's heavy batteries replied, slamming into the Republic's shields. Additional bolts from the Imperial's escorts began peppering the current flagship of Earth Force.
"Admiral, starboard shields are down 40%."
"Begin a starboard roll; fire as batteries bear on targets. How are our fighters doing?"
"We're down to half-strength, Admiral," the ship's CAG replied, as space began to show the effects of the current orders. Batteries along the dorsal keel and portside began firing as they were brought to bear on the Imperial warships. The Tang and Harder streaked past the command tower of the Republic, their lasers firing, like gnats attacking an elephant.
"ETA of Commodore Archer's section?"
"Five minutes, Admiral."
"Very well then, continue the..." Admiral Gerrod's order was interrupted by the ship shaking violently, throwing anyone standing down to the deck. "Damage report," he shouted, as the Republic's emergency lights snapped on.
"Forward shields pierced, Admiral; emergency power cell hit. The ship is currently in a two axis spin; attempting to stabilize."
"Damnit...continue firing. As soon as Commodore Archer arrives, we're withdrawing." The forward viewports showed the three dagger-like ships of the Imperial group, aimed right for the very heart of the Republic. Short lived fireballs blossomed in the void, as Imperial and Rebel fighters were destroyed in the swirling furball between the four Star Destroyers.
"Admiral; incoming fighters," the defense coordinator shouted from the crew pit.
"From where, Commander?"
"From astern, sir; IFF indicates friendlies," she replied, the relief evident in her voice. ARC-170s and Y-Wings from the rest of the Rebel Star Destroyers swept past the Republic's bridge.
"Message from the Serenity Dominant, Admiral: ‘Looks like you could use a little help. Commodore Archer.' Message from the Harder, Admiral. They state that they've taken a significant hit, and need to shut down the main reactor for repairs."
"Blast it. Signal Commodore Archer to detail a Vicstar to watch over them while they make emergency repairs.
Aboard the Black Prince, Caradoc looked at the change in tactical situation. Three additional Imperator-class Star Destroyers led a formation of Vicstars towards the Republic's position, and were just entering turbolaser range. From a position of strength, the Imperials moved to one of weakness, with the Rebels suddenly gaining a six to one advantage in snubfighters, albeit primarily with obsolete fighters, and in capital warships. "Communications signal the Ramilles and Praetor: ‘Recall all fighters and return to base.' Fighter Control, recall our TIEs immediately. Navigation, begin plotting a return course to base. Once you have the calculations, transmit them to our escorts. Helm, as soon as you have the coordinates, make the jump to hyperspace." Their only success had been crippling the Harder and damaging the Republic.
The TIE fighters began breaking off combat with the Rebel fighters, and used their superior speed to return to their carriers. As soon as the last few were pulled into the hangar bays, the armored shutters closed and the massive ships began their run up to lightspeed. With the barest flicker of pseudomotion, they leapt into hyperspace.
00000
Serenity Dominant pulled along side the battered Republic; the flagship's armor covered with carbon scoring, where volleys from the Imperial ships penetrated her shields. A shuttle left the docking bay and headed to the flagship. Commodore Archer was met in the hangar by Admiral Gerrod. "Congratulations, Admiral," the deputy fleet commander said, "on a great victory."
"Commodore, are you sure you still aren't an Imperial?" Gerrod asked, jokingly. "That was no battle. That was a minor engagement, with a reconnaissance force. Admiral Criofan will be returning with a much larger force, possibly his entire force.
"Your orders, Commodore, are to recall the support fleet and their escorts, and have them dock in the Royal airdocks on Luna. Flag Lieutenant Rein will provide you with the coordinates. I want all but six task groups docked there as well. The six groups will patrol out to two light-years, but will not engage the enemy, unless there is a good chance at victory. We don't have the unlimited resources that the Empire has. Understood?" Commodore Archer nodded. "Very good. Now then, get some rest, and tomorrow, we'll begin a detailed scan of the Sol System and uncover what potential strategic resources are in the system."
"Admiral, I will also check in with General Lim, and let him know that the fleet has arrived."
Gerrod nodded, as he turned to return to bridge. He paused, and faced the Commodore. "And Yonaton, welcome to Earth Force."