[Azatol]

Chapter 5 – Operation Glory


To: Toltayan Fleet

The Tarnaveni military transport is under construction and will be carrying the Space Marines during their invasion of the Amon’krie homeworld. It is of the utmost importance that your fleet destroys any weaponry that could damage the ship or the drop pods during their drop.

The hatch of the Tarnaveni will open up at the maximum range of the pods which is 1000 kilometers. From there, up to 200 infantry drop pods will be released from the ship like water droplets in a rain cloud. Each pod holds a division of Space Marines. The invasion, tenatively set for 2405::01::01 will be the biggest military operation in history, the invasion of another world. Your support will help bring glory to king and country.

General Duke Adrum,
Commander in Chief – Space Marines

***

To: The crew of Targul Ocna 001

Destroying enemy vessels is becoming routine, I know it. The actions taken are done without the need for words or adjustments. But remember, while war may have its routines, it also has surprises. In the time since we began our blockade, the enemy has moved up to destroyers.

As part of the fleet, we have now destroyed 4 enemy vessels. An unarmed ship of unknown purpose, one frigate and two destroyers. As you all know, we destroyed the second destroyer hours ago without any problems. Sensor teams from throughout the fleet, including our expert Michael, are analyzing some strange sensor readings that were emanating from both destroyers. These were very strange electromagnetic readings, and no one is sure what they are, but it is clear the enemy is not going to die without a fight. It is innovating just as we are.

Soon, the biggest military operation in history will begin, and we will be able to say that we made it happen.

Also, the admiral reports that Targul Ocna 003 has arrived safely at the Alba Luli for repair.


Captain James

***

“Even combat is becoming so routine as to be hardly the heart pounding affair it was at first. Three destroyers one after another, sent against us. Destroyed. Missile stockpiles, falling gradually. Fuel, falling gradually from manuevering. Otherwise things are going well. Now the ground war may go differently, they’ll be taking territory when they aren’t facing opposition. That will be constant tension I’d think,” I said, sitting eating in the galley.

“It should be exciting to see the marines in action. The Tarnaveni is already constructed, its just waiting for its passengers. I’ve heard they’ve run three test drops in the Eskirk system already. And all the able bodied men of the kingdom want to join up to serve, and probably to kill some Amon’krie as well. No one knows what the makeup of the Amon’krie army is. I mean, this era is an era of island nations, we are all islands.

The Island nations were safe with a strong navy, so they never had much of an army, I wonder if the Amon’krie are that way. I know our standing army is just a bunch of old garrison soldiers. None of the youngsters joined up until now. The old army offers standing around and sitting at a desk, the new one offers death and glory and travelling to strange lands,” Tal said.

“It offers space for a lot more men than the navy ever could. And they get to see planets we never set down on. But invading a whole other world, the fatality rate in such a job can’t be good. You can’t escape, you can only fight.”

***

To: All Military Personnel


A new civillian Mizil class vessel was constructed recently, and explored a new system which was named Bakshal. It discovered an Amon’krie colony in the system. For this reason, the fleet and space marines will not be returning home after the invasion of the Amon’krie homeworld. This new colony must be conquered afterwards. In addition, the military has asked the Mizil to explore other nearby systems and report on any Amon’krie colonies found.

***

To: All Military Personnel


Construction of the drop pods is now in progress, the space marines are ready waiting on production and loading of the new drop pods. A new high powered infantry weapon has also been developed for use by the space marines.

Estimates show the Space Marines should be onboard along with the pods in 6 months, meaning 2405::01::01 remains the anticipated I day.

Emergency level production of the pods has begun on homeworld, with many factories diverting their efforts to the new pods.

***

To: Toltayan Fleet, Reserve Fleet

The following message from the Amon’krie was recently translated. We believe it is cause for alarm and so, the Reserve fleet is hereby ordered to entered the Yukra system and assist the main fleet in terminating all bogeys.

Message –
"We are planning a massive offensive in the Nizzarum system. Unless you remove your ships, they might get damaged.”

***

To: Toltayan Fleet, Reserve Fleet

Through the end of last month, the Toltayan fleet has destroyed 7 enemy ships, 5 of them being destroyers, 1 a frigate, and one unknown. The Reserve fleet has destroyed 1 enemy ship, a destroyer.

King Aya commends both Admirals for exemplary service.

Preparations for the Space Marines are proceding rapidly.

***

To: Toltayan Fleet, Reserve Fleet

As of 2404::07:12, the Turnaveni troop transport is fully loaded and in transit to the Nizzarum system.


General Duke Adrum
Commander in Chief – Space Marines

***

“The Mizil has discovered an incredible amount now, in a few months. The Ashadra system contains three Amon’krie colonies, it is likely reinforcements have come from there. The Jubrup system contains many colonized planets, but neither the colonies nor vessels match the electromagnetic signature of the Amon’krie. This is likely yet another nation, and it is bordering the Amon’krie homeworld. We may have to worry about multiple bogies inbound from them. Or not. No one knows what the King plans to do about these new guys.”

“Incredible, just when you think you understand the galactic sector, it changes. We’ll be chasing after enemies for years. Those space marines aren’t going to have a short little tour of duty are they?”

“Well, you might not be chasing after all those colonies.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know the Military Space Academy, of course you do, you attended there like the rest of us, well anyway... The dean of the School of Weaponry asked to interview me long distance. They’ve got some relays connected to talk to command anyway, so I was able to.

This dean ended up asking a bunch of questions about you. I was confused, but now I think he wants you to be a Missile weapon systems instructor at the academy. He hasn’t sent word to me or anyone else yet, but you may end up shipping out with the reserve fleet and returning home. And getting a position like that could help your career in the long run, you could end up with my position on a new ship in a few years.

Oh, and congratulate me, you are looking at a new Lieutenant Commander, the Captain put in for my promotion. Didn’t make sense to have his commander not actually be one.”

“Congrats Tal, but why would they want me for missile systems instructor?”

“You are the longest serving missile bay unit leader, from the beginning onboard Alba Lulia. You know how to run all of the equipment well. What with missiles being so important to the war effort, they want an instructor with experience.”

“Well, we will see if I hear anything from the academy on that. It would be nice to spend some time on solid ground for a while. Catch up on all the homeworld business I’ve been missing out on.”

“Indeed.”

***

“Turnaveni is in system, it should arrive just in time for final preparations,” Michael said on comm.

“The Admiral has ordered us to make a sweep of planetary defenses before Turnaveni goes in. Also, wherever the Satellites are in orbit, the Turnaveni must approach the planet from the opposite side to avoid being fired on.”

***

“Hello Admiral, this is General Duke Adrum onboard the Turnaveni, requesting conference in preparation for Operation Glory."

“Acknowledged General. We will make a sweep of Amon’krie missile defenses and inform you of the location of the satellites in orbit. Our missiles can not hit the satellites, so you must avoid them and approach the planet from the far side relative to them.”

“Right Admiral, by the way, I’ve filed a suggestion that the fleet man at least two ships capable of destroying satellites. They really do complicate things.”

“Lets go through our procedures. We will signal you on success, if things look bad, we will signal you for failure. Before that I will signal for touchdown. Once touchdown starts, I want no missile fire directed at the planet. If I signal failure, you may attack at will. We will let your run your sweep before beginning touchdown.”

“Roger that, all ships scan for missile silos on planet.”

“A destroyer is in orbit, Admiral, previously only the unarmed mystery design was in orbit, we must link up with Turnaveni to guard it,” Captain James said on fleetcom.

“Check the destroyer’s trajectory first, if it comes toward us we can destroy it without danger to the transport.”

“Its engines have fired, the destroyer is headed towards us.”

“Phew, hallelujah on that one. General, you are clear to make your approach, head to your left to avoid the satellites.”

“Affirmed Admiral. Operation Glory commencing.”

“And it will be a glorious day indeed.”

Onboard, we were more concerned with the destroyer, although we were heartened that the General’s forces would soon be fighting for king and country below. And so after a rather non-routine conversation, things became routine again, as we fired on the destroyer in the same manner we had followed several times now. This would be the fleet’s ninth kill.

“The destroyer is destroyed General, no missile silos detected on planet, the way is clear for touchdown.”

“We are in route.”

“Fleet, this is the Admiral, stand down all offensive operations. Switching fleetcom to the marines combat comm. We will be able to hear their progress and respond if things go sour. But mostly just to witness the greatest invasion in history. I would like to thank my captains and crews for their long and dedicated service. No one knows just how long this invasion will take, but stretch your legs and get some rest, because we’ll be shipping out for the Amon’krie colonies after the Marines are retrieved.”

Tal entered the missile bay a few minutes later.

“Ok everyone, shut down operations here and secure the facility.”

The ensigns did so, and the missile bay was empty for the first time in over a year of continous operation.

“So Tal, what now?”

“Head to the galley and listen on comm, like the Admiral said. Lets get some grub.”

The officers galley was rather small and became full quickly, when officers from around the ship entered. Finally the captain came in.

“Everything is shut down for now. All we can do is listen and hopefully celebrate. Excellent job over the past year everyone. The crew has maintained discipline in the face of grueling schedules. Now its our turn to watch, after being the watched for so long.”

“Passing within 10000 kilometers of the hostile satellite group, now heading inbound on planet...

Crossing to far side for touchdown. Estimated time to touchdown is thirty minutes...

And...beginning touchdown. Hatch is being opened. Divisions are being informed of touchdown...

Pods away, pods away...

All pods are deployed and entering atmosphere...now!

Parachutes deploying...

Touchdown...we are scattered across 2000 square miles, I estimate. Commanders are gathering there forces.

Several divisions reporting contacts. Sensors indicate that citizen militias have formed in response to our invasion. Thermal gear detected massed formations in many towns and cities.

Estimated militia strength at 150 divisions, armed with service rifles and grenades, no air power nor armored vehicles.

Effectiveness of new high powered rifles is high. Body armor is worthless against the new guns.

We out man the enemy and we out tech them. It appears the Amon’krie no longer have a standing army.

Many divisions making contact with the militia groups...