UGT: 13th Aether 280 a.G.A. / 01:03 a.m.
Location: FSF Defiance, in an orbit around Sun-Novis, Sun-Al'Rith system (red dwarf), Inner-Noran sector, Ruidan Raider Association, Milky Way
The FSF Defiance maintained a steady orbit above Sun-Novis, the only colonized planet in the Sun-Al'Rith system. The dark surface below glimmered faintly with signs of civilization. Isolated cities, sprawling industrial hubs, and scattered agricultural zones, split apart by the planet’s vast oceans and dense forests. Six hours had passed since the last of the Ruidan resistance had been dismantled in space, yet Admiral Thorrison's mind was far from settled.
“Status update,” he ordered, his voice sharp.
His CO, Commander Ashcroft, approached with his usual efficiency, datapad in hand. “Ground forces are prepped for deployment. Initial reconnaissance scans confirm most of the planetary defenses have been neutralized by the FSF Aurora. They were obviously faster here than us. Luckily, they held back from needless destruction. Civilian broadcasts suggest a mix of confusion and resignation among the population. The Ruidan leadership appears to have gone to ground, likely in subterranean bunkers beneath their primary cities.”
Admiral Thorrison nodded, his eyes narrowing. “What’s the FSF Aurora doing right now?”
Commander Ashcroft hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. “The FSF Aurora remains in high orbit, maintaining overwatch. They’ve refrained from further bombardment, but their presence alone has had a... significant psychological impact. Civilian chatter refers to it as the 'Shadow Leviathan.' It seems the population is more afraid of them than us.”
The Admiral allowed himself a grim smile. “Let them be afraid, Commander. Fear is a great weapon in a military's arsenal, and right now, we need every edge we can get.”
The Commander inclined his head, though his expression betrayed unease. “With respect, Admiral, relying on the FSF Aurora’s reputation might be a double-edged sword. If the populace begins to see them as the true power here...”
Admiral Thorrison cut him off with a raised hand. “I’m aware of the risks, Commander. But we didn’t come this far with our... friends, just to be outmaneuvered by them. I have that front covered and under control, don’t worry. For now, they’re a tool, nothing more,” he stated. Commander Ashcroft nodded, though the tension in his shoulders remained. Understandable, seeing that they worked with a human with drastically different standards than the modern SHF ones.
“Admiral,” one of the tactical officers called out, “incoming transmission from the FSF Aurora. Captain Lunaris requests a secure channel.”
The Admiral straightened, smoothing his uniform. “Patch them through,” he said, mentally preparing himself for the next conversation with the FSF Aurora’s Captain. They were always a blend of interesting, frightening, and vexing to him.
A new holoscreen, obviously much more basic and unstable than what the FSF Aurora was capable of, flickered to life, revealing Captain Lunaris seated in her command chair, the dim lighting of her ship’s Bridge casting her features in sharp relief. Her expression was calm, almost unnervingly so. And as always, the remains of the bridge were pixelated and constantly shifting, with no chance of his own crew finding out how it truly looked.
“Admiral Thorrison,” she began, her tone polite but distant. “I trust your preparations are proceeding smoothly?”
“As smoothly as can be expected,” Admiral Thorrison replied, keeping his voice neutral. “Your assistance in neutralizing the planetary defenses was... appreciated, as unexpected and originally unarranged as it might have been.”
A faint smile tugged at the corners of the Captain’s lips. “A pragmatic choice, Admiral. Efficiency serves us both. I would've been disappointed if you were unable to appreciate my support, just because you cannot command me around like your own precious fleet.”
Admiral Thorrison’s eyes narrowed slightly. As always, he had no idea if she was mocking him or just truthful and open in her comments, not understanding the wider implications. But he strongly doubted that. “Speaking of efficiency, Captain, your ship’s presence has caused quite a stir. The locals are calling you the ‘Shadow Leviathan.’ Care to comment?”
Captain Lunaris tilted her head, feigning surprise. “Fear is a natural reaction to the unknown, Admiral. If our presence hastens the surrender of this system, then I see no issue. May they worship or hate us, to me and my ship, it doesn’t matter. Our goals are grander than this system.”
The Admiral’s jaw tightened. “Just remember, Captain, the Federation is leading this campaign. The FSF Aurora is here as a partner, not a conqueror. Your compensation, you'll only gain at the very end of this war.”
Captain Lunaris’ gaze didn’t waver. “Of course, Admiral. We’re aligned in our goals... for now.”
The tension in the room was palpable as the transmission ended. Admiral Thorrison exhaled slowly, turning back to the tactical display.
“Commander,” he said, his tone clipped, “prepare the ground forces for immediate deployment. Focus on securing industrial and military zones first. I want the Ruidan leadership rooted out before they have a chance to regroup.”
Commander Ashcroft nodded. “Understood, Sir. And the FSF Aurora?”
Admiral Thorrison’s gaze shifted back to the tactical holoscreen, where said spaceship’s marker loomed like a silent sentinel. “For now, let them watch. But keep an eye on them, Commander. I don’t like playing games when I don’t know all the rules. And I still don’t know what exactly is going on in Captain Lunaris’ mind.”
“Yes, Admiral,” the Commander replied seriously before walking off. He still had many other things to do, after all.
Hours passed as the SHF ground forces deployed in waves, their descent marked by streaks of light from atmospheric entry. From the FSF Defiance’s Bridge, Admiral Thorrison watched the operation unfold on multiple holographic displays. The tactical display for the space surroundings was long deactivated; it currently wasn’t worth his attention. The ground invasion had been meticulously planned, with mechanized units and drones sweeping through urban centers and industrial hubs seamlessly. But as always with such large-scale operations, the reports streaming in painted a mixed picture. Progress and complications came hand in hand.
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“Admiral,” Commander Ashcroft announced, approaching with his ever-present datapad, “initial landing zones, as well as the surrounding cities and industrial areas, are secure. Resistance has been minimal so far. Surprisingly, we found most resistance in the more rural areas and therefore left them in peace for now. However, we’ve also encountered delays in breaching the subterranean bunkers where the remaining Ruidan leadership fled to. They seemingly have been heavily reinforced before we reached them.”
Admiral Thorrison frowned. “Have we deployed seismic charges?”
“Already in progress, Sir,” the Commander replied. “But it will take time to fully collapse their defenses without causing widespread collateral damage.”
The Admiral sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. After the end of the Galactic War Against Imperialism, the Ruidan Empire’s Milky Way Expedition more or less left themselves, forming the loosely organized yet highly resilient confederation that can be seen nowadays. With time, the Ruidan fleets and their leaders moved away from the perfectly organized and efficient military force and toward their current opportunistic style. By now, they were nothing more than pirates and smugglers masquerading as a military force. Yet here they were, clinging to their strongholds as if they had something worth protecting.
“Send additional drone units to assist the engineering teams,” Admiral Thorrison ordered. “I want those bunkers cracked before the day is out. And inform the fleet to prepare for planetary blockade duty. I don’t want a single ship leaving this planet before we clean it out.”
Commander Ashcroft nodded, but before he could respond, the holographic display flickered, highlighting a sudden shift in the planetary battlefront. A series of red markers appeared near one of the primary industrial zones.
“Admiral, we’re detecting increased resistance in Sector Twelve,” a tactical officer reported. “Enemy forces are rallying around what appears to be a hidden anti-orbital battery. They’ve managed to bring it online.”
Thorrison’s eyes narrowed. “How the hell did we miss that?”
Commander Ashcroft’s expression darkened. “It must have been hidden underground. The Ruidans likely activated it as a last-ditch effort.”
“Do we have a clear line of sight?” Admiral Thorrison asked instantly. They needed one if they wanted to take this thing down.
“Yes, Sir,” the officer replied. “But it’s strongly shielded, and our initial bombardments haven’t been able to penetrate. We most likely won’t breach the shields or the perimeter of the weapon before they can fire a few shots.”
Admiral Thorrison straightened, his mind racing. The battery was a threat not just to the ground forces but to the fleet itself. If the Ruidans managed to score a lucky hit on one of the capital ships, the entire greater mission could be set back. “Contact the FSF Aurora,” he ordered. “If anyone can neutralize that battery fast enough, it’s them.”
Moments later, the holoscreen flared to life, once again displaying Captain Lunaris.
“Admiral,” she greeted, her tone cool and composed. “What can I do for you?”
The Admiral wasted no time. “We’ve identified a hidden anti-orbital battery in Sector Twelve. You without a doubt see it as well. It’s shielded and proving resistant to our strikes. I need the FSF Aurora to neutralize it before it can take a shot at our fleet.”
Captain Lunaris raised an eyebrow. “A rather specific request, Admiral. Are you admitting your fleet’s limitations?”
Admiral Thorrison’s jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain diplomatic. “This isn’t about pride, Captain. It’s about efficiency. Your ship has the firepower to resolve this quickly. Will you assist or not?”
The Captain’s expression softened, a hint of amusement playing at her lips. “Of course, Admiral. The FSF Aurora lives to serve. Just not you, I’m afraid.”
The transmission ended, and within moments, three impossibly fast antimatter-loaded railgun shots came down from the sky. The anti-orbital battery’s shields flared brightly, resisting the first two railgun shots, but the third went through, delivering its deadly payload inside. The battery erupted in a brilliant explosion, leaving nothing but a smoldering crater.
“Target neutralized,” the tactical officer confirmed.
Admiral Thorrison exhaled, a mix of relief and frustration coursing through him. “Good. Inform Captain Lunaris of my thanks. And ensure our ground forces press the advantage. I want every trace of Ruidan resistance wiped out.”
As the battle continued to unfold, the Admiral turned his gaze toward the tactical display, now tracking the progress of the SHF ground forces. Reports streamed in of skirmishes erupting across the planet, though none posed a serious threat to the operation. The FSF Aurora maintained its vigilant orbit, its weapons silent but ready, a stark reminder of its overwhelming presence.
“Admiral,” Commander Ashcroft said quietly, stepping up to his side. “Ground forces report steady progress. Resistance is faltering. The remaining Ruidan leadership has been apprehended. They were found hiding in a subterranean complex beneath the capital. We’ve secured several data caches that appear to contain logistical information about their fleet movements and smuggling routes. It won’t be long now until we’re completely done.”
The Admiral nodded. “Good. Ensure the data is sent to Fleet Command for analysis. What about civilian compliance?”
“Minimal resistance,” the Commander replied. “The deployment of drones has kept the population in check. Temporary governance has been established, and collaborators are being recruited to maintain order. The industrial facilities are already being repurposed to support the war effort.”
“Casualties?” he continued asking.
“Light, Sir. Less than three percent across all deployed forces. Only 0.4% dead. The others we can patch up again. The Ruidans were poorly equipped and outmatched,” Commander Ashcroft replied.
Admiral Thorrison allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction. The operation had gone as smoothly as he could have hoped. Still, he knew better than to let his guard down. “Very well. Begin preparations to withdraw the bulk of our ground forces. Leave behind a garrison to oversee the occupation and ensure compliance. I want the fleet on the move again within the next twelve hours.”
Commander Ashcroft hesitated. “And the freighters, Sir? They’ve been stripped of their cargo, but several are still spaceworthy. Shall we scuttle them or integrate them into our logistics?”
The Admiral considered this for a moment. “Integrate them. The more resources we have, the better. They can be the pillar of a budding supply fleet once they’ve been refitted and rebranded. After all, I expect we’ll take over many more new ships on this mission.”
“Understood, Sir,” the Commander replied.
Suddenly the holoscreen flickered, drawing Admiral Thorrison’s attention. Captain Lunaris’ face appeared, her expression as calm and inscrutable as ever.
“Admiral,” she said, her voice smooth, “I see the occupation is proceeding efficiently. Shall we consider this system secured?”
The Admiral inclined his head slightly. “For now. The Ruidans may have other enclaves hidden across their territory, but this planet is no longer a threat, also thanks to you. We’ll leave a garrison to maintain control while the fleet moves on.”
A faint smile played at the corners of the Captain’s mouth. “I’m glad you’ve come to appreciate our contributions. Rest assured, Admiral, we will continue to deliver results.”
The transmission ended, leaving Admiral Thorrison staring at the blank holoscreen. The Bridge buzzed with activity as he turned back to the holographic display, his gaze fixed on the map of the sector. The SHF’s advance was relentless, and the Ruidans would soon learn the futility of resistance. The Federation Space Fleet would show them their place.
