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Chapter 10
Huling Na-update:
2021-10-30 10:35:33Kaugnay na kabanata
Games of Invictus Chapter 11
"Action stations!" Once Price gave the order buzzers began sounding and alert lights began flashing. Within thirty seconds every bulkhead on the ship was sealed and every able man was scrambling to get to his post. Fighters were refueled, pilots jumped in the cockpit and loaded into the launch tubes ready to go. Point defence turrets swiveled around and the main turrets rose from their nests, facing the asteroid field. The sensors detected large IR signatures starting to grow from inside the field. Ships were preparing to attack. "We don't have much time, John..." "Mr Goradin. Compile a high priority message to Rear-Admiral McCallun. Message reads: Large pirate force staged in asteroid field area preparing to attack, break. Pirate offencive imminent, break. Request immediate reinforcements or risk losing flanks. Send this with the proper priority codes. Include the recon pictures we've taken." Goradin wrote the message down and quickly walked up to the comms to carry out the or
Huling Na-update : 2021-10-30Games of Invictus Chapter 12
In the CIC the command centre was flooded with combat chatter. The sound was awful for anyone present to hear. Price had already launched every frontline fighter he had. All there was left were empty reserve fighters and the strike units. He was seriously considering launching the Strike Vipers to assist. "They're getting cut to pieces out there." Goradin remarked. Price and Howard could see in his eyes that the young officer knew what he was hearing. "How long till reinforcements arrive?" Goradin quickly switched between the tactical map and the DRADIS screen, looking for the contacts of both Bravo squadron and the Alien Bane. "We're looking at about 15 minutes for Bravo squadron if they're burning hard. Alien Bane will take no less than 25 minutes to get here." "We're outnumbered four to one. We can't hold them off that long." The XO said to no one in particular. "Get strike squadron 1 and 2 to drop their heavy payloads and into the tubes. Keep 3 and 4 on strike loads." "You wa
Huling Na-update : 2021-10-30Games of Invictus Chapter 13
Three corvettes and two Iconoclast destroyers were the first warships to stick their noses out, coupled with half a dozen sloops and gunboats for added defence. The Vipers pulled back and gave Invictus and the two frigates space to manoeuvre. The ships turned to face the incoming destroyers looking in the right direction. Half went to the base and the other half shot out after the largest ships they could find. The moment the missiles left the rail the BlackSharks turned around and flew back to base as fast as they could. Now coming under much heavier fire from the fully alert pirate emplacements. Shortly after the nukes detonated, huge chunks of rock were hurled in every direction. Some pirate craft not already underway to the battle zone were crushed by the chunks of rocks being thrown around. "Multiple nuclear detonations detected inside the field, commander!" "Good! Remain focussed. We've still got a pirate fleet to hold off." He had barely finished that sentence before reports
Huling Na-update : 2022-04-04Games of Invictus Chapter 14
After exchanging customary greetings to their comrades in arms based in the Babarus Costa System, Invictus jumped out to fulfill her latest orders. Before committing to the long and perilous journey, the ship docked at one of the deep-space stations littered across the entrance of the Warp-Passage. It wasn't really a matter of choice. Theoretically the battlestar could hop across in a few jumps without resupplying, but the holes in her armor needed to be repaired among other things. Holding off the pirate forces surely helped the Naval forces stationed there, but Invictus took a pounding doing so. Aside from the two scarred openings in her bow armor caused by Lance fire, the armor was riddled with dents, holes and craters from artillery fire, accompanied by laser scorch marks. Seeing the damage first-hand from the cockpit of his own Viper Price knew his ship had suffered. The dings and craters from enemy guns... Well he had expected something like that. His own crew could hammer out t
Huling Na-update : 2022-04-05Games of Invictus Chapter 15
Deamus ordered another round for his commanders before continuing the story. "All of this happened millennia ago so most of it is lost to history. There are many stories, all different in a way but this they all have in common. The Emperor united the warring nations of Holy Terra under one flag before setting out to unite the colonies amongst the stars: The Great Crusade. During this crusade his oldest son, the Arch Heretic Horus, turned against him. Horus had a great lust for power and was jealous of his father's power. This caused a Civil War, splitting the empire in two. The war waged for decades, almost destroying the Imperium as a whole. During his final confrontation The Emperor fought Horus. Horus Brutally plumbed his father to the ground, nearly killing him, the Emperor in his grace trying desperately to plead with his son and bring him back from damnation. Horus was one strike from killing him, the Emperor refusing to even defend himself or believe his son's treachery, when
Huling Na-update : 2022-07-07Games of Invictus Chapter 16
While the senior officers were enjoying their beers in the pub, Mercer had joined his squadron in another tavern close to the docking-arms for a celebration. It was a mixed party. Both to celebrate the memory of his fallen comrades and to celebrate him getting his wings. Officially his training as a pilot wouldn't be over for a few weeks, but since he had fought so hard and skillful during the last battle, Major Burke had awarded him his pilot's wings. No longer did he bear the junior's name 'Nugget' and became Flight-Sergeant Mercer 'Storm' Trune. Just a few hours after the battle, Major Burke had assembled the entire squadron in the Pilot's mess for the awarding ceremony. Even the skipper and XO were present and congratulating him on his achievement. The celebration didn't last very long though. The ship was damaged and was needed elsewhere. Between jumps, before arriving at the station, a sort-of funeral ceremony was held for the fallen. Those they could find anyway. The bodies were
Huling Na-update : 2022-07-08Games of Invictus Chapter 17
The small fleet was under way for about a week now with little sign of activity of any kind. Invictus kept up her patrols while the Cobra destroyers continuously scanned the area, feeding all ships with sensor data. Though the scope was clear, the commanders and officers were not at ease. While traveling this close to the GrailDark nebula, everyone had the feeling that they were being watched. It was almost as if the nebula itself was looking upon the five vessels as unwelcome intruders. Just before departing, the commanders of the escort vessels came aboard Invictus to plan the exact route. Again it was clear that these men were a rough bunch. Clearly they've seen a lot of bad stuff. However, Howard had them pegged from the moment they stepped aboard. Prove you can keep your word and they will follow to hell and back. For some reason, a fifth imperial figure had joined the commanders in the Situation Room. He wasn't part of the Navy, that much was clear. The man wore a black trenchc
Huling Na-update : 2022-07-09Games of Invictus Chapter 18
This vessel has been shadowing us for quite some time while remaining undetected. Maybe as long as we entered this region. For all we know there could be an entire fleet out there. At this time it is imperative to reach the Orar system as soon as possible, with as many ships as possible, as Lord-Admiral Ravensburg instructed. I intend to carry out this order. If you wish to protest against my orders I suggest you take it up to him. Until then you are to prep your vessel for immediate Jump Action towards Point Bravo. Do I make myself clear?" The short silence that followed was broken with a clearly angry growl saying "Aye" before the connection was broken. Looking up he found Lieutenant Goradin staring at him as if he was nailed to the ground. The way he talked the Commissar down made him stare in disbelief. Not many officers we keep our emissions down, four days. Maybe a bit more." "Very well. Let's hope we can pass unnoticed." For the duration of his shift nothing of note happened
Huling Na-update : 2022-07-10
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Games of Invictus Special Chapter (YEAR 2042)
Report: FiskA few hundred meters beneath Rome.Italy.Centro di produzione TMC, divisione di Roma.(TMC production center, Roman division.)"Can't be too careful," Carl smiled.My heart skipped a beat. Did he know?I'd seen Jackson duck behind the Punisher-T from when I'd entered. I assumed Karen was behind it, too. I had to keep Carl away from my allies long enough for them to escape.It dawned on my how ironic this was. A few weeks ago I would've been furious to learn how unobservant and arrogent Carl was. Now? I was happy. His ego would be our saving grace. I just had to keep him talking."So when do I hear about this Exodus," I said, sweeping my arm around Carl and leading him away from the computer. "I'd like to hear all about it."Carl looked enthused, a beaming grin spreading across his face, and he turned towards me. I followed his lead as we marched a few dozen feet away towards a large tarp, and stopped."Well," he said, "everyone loves rapid-fire rocket weapons. You have y
Games of Invictus Special Chapter (YEAR 2042)
The hallway smelled of oil and cleaner, burning my nose as I marched, boots squeaking against the steel floor. The hallway was cold and dimly lit, with only a few eerie orange lights for decoration. Beyond this hall was the factory floor and our goal.Karen and I moved quickly, and I couldn't shake the feeling we were being pursued. I knew almost nothing about the layout of the underground factory, we were unarmed, and we had no disguise of any kind. I was just grateful that the guards were busy dealing with the riots on the surface. If I listened closely I could still hear the dull roar of the crowds, even through the massive steel doors.Those doors hadn't been a problem- only those guarding them. We'd selected an entrance on the opposite side of the city, as far away from the riots as possible. Surveillance was lax there, with only two guards. The TMC soldiers I'd seen looked identical to the men and women Draco had been with at Yamantau- black body armor and powerful rifles.Fortu
Games of Invictus Special Chapter (YEAR 2042)
Report: QuinnThe bustling city of Rome.Italy.The Via Claudia.Temperature: 25° Celsius (77°F)Rome. City of marble and ruins. Rome's ancient history, once the life of so many a historian, was that of dominance, failure and reinvention. Just like the city of old, the Roman capital had fallen to civil war shortly before the Third World War. Rebellion ravaged Italy's capital, with it's citizens taking a stand against their complacent government. Although Italy's political superiors refused to partake in the World War, they knew they would not be safe for long.When the warheads were launched, many cities were targeted, Rome included. But despite the accusations of its citizens, the Italian government had been preparing. In a joint effort with China, two massive energy shields were deployed over Shenzhen and Rome, sparing them from the nuclear fire that consumed so much of the rest of the world.The OMEGA Horizon Shield, known by the locals as the 'scudo orizzonte', saved their lives.
Games of Invictus Special Chapter (YEAR 2042)
Report: QuinnThe bustling city of Rome.Italy.Outside the Colosseum.Temperature: 27° Celsius (81°F)Something behind me shattered, spraying my back, legs and neck with bits of rubble as I ran. The hot sun beat against my face as my pursuers grew closer.I didn't know if it was a person or the robot who fired, but seconds later something warm and bright zipped past my head and struck a decorative statue in front of my, shattering an outstretched arm. The plaster sprayed my face as I ran, and a moment later my head was warm. I stepped around a group of fleeing pedestrians and glanced back, seeing the ball cap laying in the center of the street, hooked around the statue's stony fingers.Oh, well. The hat didn't matter.After all, the contents of the tablet in my pocket were much more important.I tapped my right ear, triggering the hearing-aid that doubled as my comms earpiece."Karen," I shouted, "do you copy?"A gasping, flushed voice crackled over the comms. Gunfire I heard in my l
Games of Invictus Special Chapter (YEAR 2042)
In war, your greatest enemy is often yourself. We all begin war pure, fighting for righteousness' sake, but then the ego steps in, the hubris and the greed, and you feel invincible. But eventually you'll wake up and realize that you're not fighting for righteousness' sake anymore, you're not invincible, and that you're a long way from home. Looking back at everything that happened, I would say that this applies to myself, as well. I would be lying if I didn't say I had regrets. It's over now, I suppose. All is said and done. I never wanted to become a War Robot pilot, you know. I never expected it. When the first War Robot was built I was too young to know what I wanted to be when I was older. Before I knew it, the Iron War consumed my freedom to choose my fate. I joined the Chinese-Canadian Alliance on my own free will, sure, but the very fact that this was a choice I felt compelled to make illustrates my point. Every day the Iron War takes. It takes lives, yes, as do all wars, but
Games of Invictus Chapter 124: END (YEAR 2052)
Report: Park Just off the coast of Nova Scotia. Canada. The remains of an Alliance base. Former designation: "The Firmament" Six hours later... Powerful halogen floodlights scanned the ocean surface, making the water shine. The blinding glow traced along the sides of the tower, across the film of oil and over floating debris. The fires that had consumed the Firmament were almost gone, leaving charred metal and burning oil in their wake. The flames provided little to see by-even the moon was hidden by clouds, so the searchlight was necessary. I stood in the cockpit of the dropship, staring down at the water as the vessel scanned the detritus. If something useful was found, the ship's mechanical arm system would target it, snatching it from the oil slick and pulling it inside. It had continued like this for over ten minutes, with little more than scraps discovered. "We have to go, Taewi," the dropship's pilot demanded. Her eyes were wide with worry, and her hands were a tan blu
Games of Invictus Chapter 123 (YEAR 2052)
"Just what the hell do you think you're doing, sacrificing my mech?"A blur of motion swept past the Firmament, snatching the Exodus out of the sky.A dropship."Laura?" I exclaimed. "You came back!""Looks like I got here just in time, too!" Laura replied. "I've got your friend-get the hell out of here! Rendezvous in Shenzhen!""But Mallet-" Alyx began."-can take care of herself!" Laura shot back. "Trust in her, she's your General for a reason! We need to go!""We're out!" Lucas called. The dropship lurched forward.The remaining Zephyrus, distracted by Kedrick's disappearance, didn't see our ship slip by them. We were out of their range in moments.My comms crackled, fading in and out."We're losing close-range radio," Dan informed me."I'll see you guys in China!" Kedrick shouted. He had to fight for his voice to be audible over the encroaching static. "Stay strong!"The comms cut out in a burst of static, and I slumped into a nearby seat.Kedrick was safe, but everything else was
Games of Invictus Chapter 122 (YEAR 2052)
After a moment of catching our breath, Dan, Draco, Alyx and I gathered ourselves and jogged into the cockpit where Lucas sat, fingers dancing across the controls."Strap the hell in!" he bellowed. Everyone scrambled to get to their seats."No!" Lucas glared, gesturing at Draco, "not you. Zip-tie yourself to that seat or you'd better hope you can fly!"Draco frowned, but did as he was told, taking a new pair of the plastic ties from Lucas' outstretched hand and latching himself to a seat.The dropship leapt into the air, soaring away from the battle."We're here to grab you when you need it, Kedrick," Lucas stated.Our forces, sensing this was a losing battle, had begun to retreat. Around us, the Zephyrus swarmed in unison, moving as if at the will of some invisible puppet master. Instead of shooting down the mechs as they were picked up, we watched in horror as they began to fly directly into the path of dropships, bringing them down."The hell?" Draco screamed. "This is suicide! This
Games of Invictus Chapter 121 (YEAR 2052)
The Firmament was built to function at a high altitude, but that didn't necessarily mean that its inhabitants were.The massive tower was well above the height that command capsules could safely travel, as the winds were so strong that they would be blown off course.The second issue was the fact that the entire upper dome of the ship was swarming with Zephyrus.Having breached the glass dome that took up most of the tower's roof, the winged mechs were using the remainder of the surface as a staging ground, gathering up top before descending into the tower to wreak havoc. With the dome gone, the surface area of the Firmament's highest point was about the same as an interior level-a large, circular platform with a gaping hole in its centre.Alyx, Draco and I stood in an emergency airlock on the top level of the Firmament, staring across the open surface of the tower.In its past life as a launch platform, the Firmament's upper deck had been where satellite and weather systems were loca
